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To make your stuffed Italian meatloaf, gather these key items: - 1.5 lbs ground beef - 1 cup Italian bread crumbs - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup milk - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley - 1 egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for serving) - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped - 1/4 cup sliced black olives These ingredients create a rich and tasty meatloaf that is full of flavor. You can customize your meatloaf with these optional ingredients: - Spinach or kale for added greens - Feta cheese for a twist on flavors - Chopped onions for extra depth - Jalapeños for some heat These options let you put your own spin on the dish. If you need to change some items, here are some easy swaps: - Use turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. - Replace bread crumbs with crushed crackers or oats. - Swap Parmesan with cheddar or any cheese you like. - Use vegetable broth instead of milk for a dairy-free version. These substitutions can help you adjust the recipe to your taste and dietary needs. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine these ingredients: - 1.5 lbs ground beef - 1 cup Italian bread crumbs - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup milk - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley - 1 egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Mix everything well until it's blended smoothly. You want a nice and even mix for the best flavor. Next, take a sheet of parchment paper. Shape the meat mixture into a rectangle, about 1 inch thick. This will help with rolling. Spread a layer of marinara sauce evenly on top, leaving some space at the edges. Then, sprinkle a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Add chopped roasted red peppers and sliced black olives for that extra kick. Now comes the fun part! Start rolling the meat mixture from one long side. Roll it carefully into a log shape. Make sure to tuck the fillings inside. Once rolled, secure the ends and place the meatloaf seam-side down in a baking dish. For extra flavor, brush any leftover marinara sauce on top. Bake the meatloaf in your preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes. To check if it’s done, the internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C). Once baked, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep all those juicy flavors locked in. Serve it with extra marinara sauce on the side for a delightful meal. Enjoy! To get the right texture, use fresh ingredients. Mix the ground beef with care. You want it well combined but not overworked. Overmixing can make the meatloaf dense. Adding Italian bread crumbs helps absorb moisture. This makes your meatloaf juicy and tender. Make sure your egg is well beaten before adding it. This helps bind the mixture without making it too heavy. Use a large mixing bowl for easy blending. A parchment paper sheet helps shape the meatloaf. A meat thermometer is key for checking doneness. It ensures your meatloaf hits 160°F (70°C). A baking dish is needed to hold the meatloaf while it bakes. A sharp knife will help you cut it evenly once it’s done. Don’t skip the resting time after baking. Letting it rest for about 10 minutes keeps it moist. If you rush to slice, it might fall apart. Avoid using dry bread crumbs. They can soak up too much moisture and lead to a dry meatloaf. Lastly, don’t forget to season well. A little extra salt and pepper can make a big difference in flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Incorporating fresh parsley and basil enhances the flavor profile of the meatloaf, making it taste more vibrant and authentic. Don’t Overmix: When combining the meat mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in a dense and tough meatloaf. Let It Rest: Allow the meatloaf to rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meatloaf moist when sliced. Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to customize the fillings. Try adding spinach, artichokes, or different cheeses to create your own signature stuffed meatloaf. {{image_2}} You can change the cheese in your stuffed meatloaf. While mozzarella gives a nice melt, you can try other cheeses too. Cheddar adds a sharp taste. Provolone brings an Italian twist. Goat cheese adds creaminess and tang. Mix and match to find your favorite! Adding veggies can boost flavor and nutrition. Spinach works well for a fresh taste. Mushrooms give a depth of flavor. You can also add zucchini or carrots, finely chopped. Feel free to get creative with different fillings. Just remember to keep them small for easy rolling. Seasonings can change the whole dish. If you want a kick, try red pepper flakes. For a more earthy flavor, add thyme or rosemary. You can also switch the marinara sauce. Barbecue sauce or pesto can make it unique. Find the blend that excites your palate! To store leftover stuffed meatloaf, let it cool first. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you can track how long it has been stored. You can freeze stuffed meatloaf for longer storage. First, let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This prevents freezer burn. Label and date the package. The meatloaf can stay frozen for up to three months. For best results, slice it before freezing. This way, you can take out only what you need. When you’re ready to enjoy your meatloaf, reheat it properly. For best results, use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatloaf in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. This keeps it moist. Heat for about 25-30 minutes or until warmed through. If using the microwave, slice it first. Heat on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes. Check to ensure it’s heated evenly. Enjoy your delicious leftovers! Yes, you can make stuffed Italian meatloaf ahead of time. Prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it. Place it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This saves time on busy days. Just remember to let it sit at room temp for about 15 minutes before baking. Stuffed Italian meatloaf pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Fresh green salad - Garlic bread - Roasted vegetables - Mashed potatoes - Pasta with marinara sauce These sides add color and flavor to your meal. To check if the meatloaf is done, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the center. It should read 160°F (70°C) for safe eating. You can also cut into the meatloaf. If the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink, it’s ready. Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy. In this post, we explored the making of stuffed Italian meatloaf. We covered key ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for perfect texture. Variations let you get creative with flavors and fillings. Plus, we shared how to store leftovers and reheat them well. Try these ideas to impress at your next meal. Stuffed Italian meatloaf is fun to make and enjoy! You’ll love how it tastes and feels special at the table. Get cooking and have fun with this dish!

Savory Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

A delicious meatloaf filled with Italian flavors and ingredients.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef
  • 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup milk
  • 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 unit egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for serving)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
  • 0.25 cup sliced black olives

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Italian bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, parsley, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
  • On a sheet of parchment paper, shape the meat mixture into a rectangular slab about 1 inch thick.
  • Spread marinara sauce evenly across the top of the meatloaf, leaving a small border around the edges.
  • Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the marinara layer, followed by chopped roasted red peppers and sliced black olives.
  • Starting from one long side of the meat slab, carefully roll the mixture up into a log shape. Secure the ends and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
  • Brush any remaining marinara sauce over the top of the meatloaf for added flavor.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
  • Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing it.

Notes

Serve with extra marinara sauce and a fresh green salad.
Keyword Italian, meatloaf, stuffed