Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe

Easy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe: Homestyle Comfort Magic

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible mozzarella stuffed meatloaf that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Tender ground beef hugs melted cheese in every savory slice.

The classic dinner staple transforms into a mouthwatering meal that brings excitement to the table.

Each bite delivers a perfect blend of juicy meat and gooey cheese that will make you swoon.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a dish that looks impressive but takes minimal effort.

Home cooks of all skill levels can master this delectable centerpiece.

Baked Meatballs, Why Everyone Raves

  • Devour Cheesy Comfort: Discover a mouthwatering twist on classic meatloaf with gooey mozzarella cheese hidden inside, creating a delightful surprise in every bite.
  • Master Simple Cooking: Beginner-friendly recipe that requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks looking to impress family and friends with minimal effort.
  • Customize with Ease: Adaptable dish that welcomes personal touches like different seasonings, cheese varieties, or adding vegetables to suit individual taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings where you want a hearty, satisfying main course that appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar and comforting flavors.

Ingredients for Juicy Baked Meatballs

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A juicy and flavorful base for the meatloaf that provides rich meaty texture.
Binding Ingredients:
  • Breadcrumbs, Eggs, Milk: Work together to help hold the meatloaf together and create a tender consistency.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Worcestershire Sauce, Onion, Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Add depth and complexity to the meatloaf's overall taste profile.
Cheese Filling:
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Creates a delicious melty center that adds creamy richness to the meatloaf.
Topping:
  • Ketchup: Provides a tangy and slightly sweet glaze that adds moisture and flavor to the exterior of the meatloaf.

Easy Steps to Baked Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Workspace

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab a large mixing bowl and clear some counter space for meat magic.

Step 2: Create Meat Mixture

Dive into mixing ground beef with these ingredients:
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Diced onion
  • Minced garlic
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Squish and blend everything together until perfectly combined.

Step 3: Create Meat Canvas

Spread out a sheet of parchment paper and flatten your meat mixture into a generous rectangular shape.

Step 4: Add Cheese Surprise

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously across the center of your meat rectangle, leaving some space around the edges.

Step 5: Roll and Seal Meatloaf

Carefully roll the meat into a tight log, pinching and sealing the edges to trap that gooey cheese inside.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Transfer your rolled meatloaf into a greased loaf pan.

Slather the top generously with ketchup for a tangy glaze.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven.

Bake for 45-50 minutes until the internal temperature hits 160°F.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let your masterpiece rest for 10 minutes.

This helps the juices settle and makes slicing a breeze.

Slice and serve hot!

Meatball Tips for Extra Flavor

  • Press meat edges firmly to prevent cheese from leaking during baking, ensuring a perfect cheesy center.
  • Use 80/20 ground beef for juicier meatloaf, as leaner meats can become tough and dry.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption.
  • Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes after baking to redistribute juices and maintain moisture.
  • Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version.

New Takes on Baked Meatballs

  • Vegetarian Meatloaf: Replace ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, and plant-based protein, using flax eggs for binding and stuffing with vegan mozzarella.
  • Spicy Mexican Meatloaf: Add diced jalapeños, cumin, and chili powder to the meat mixture, stuff with pepper jack cheese, and top with salsa instead of ketchup.
  • Mediterranean-Style Meatloaf: Mix ground lamb with herbs like oregano and mint, stuff with feta cheese, and garnish with tzatziki sauce.
  • Low-Carb Keto Meatloaf: Use ground turkey, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour, and stuff with cream cheese for a low-carbohydrate alternative.

How to Serve Baked Meatballs

  • Family Dinner Delight: Serve this mozzarella stuffed meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted green beans for a classic comfort meal that everyone will love.
  • Cheese Lover's Garnish: Top each slice with extra melted mozzarella and fresh chopped parsley to enhance the cheesy flavor and add a pop of color to the plate.
  • Sandwich Style Remix: Use leftover meatloaf slices between toasted bread with lettuce, tomato, and a smear of garlic aioli for an incredible next-day lunch option.
  • Wine Pairing Pleasure: Complement the rich meat and cheese with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon to elevate the dining experience.

Baked Meatball Storage Guidance

  • Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Wrap individual slices or whole meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Place slice on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to avoid drying out.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place meatloaf slice in baking dish, add small splash of beef broth to maintain moisture. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile.

  • Is it necessary to use breadcrumbs?

Breadcrumbs help bind the meatloaf and keep it moist. If you’re gluten-free, you can use crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour as a replacement.

  • How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Make sure to seal the edges of the meatloaf tightly when rolling, and avoid overstuffing with cheese. Using cold cheese can also help it melt more slowly during cooking.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Succulent mozzarella stuffed meatloaf delivers a delightful twist on classic comfort cuisine. Melted cheese oozes through perfectly seasoned ground beef, creating a mouthwatering main dish that promises to elevate dinner with rich, satisfying flavors you’ll crave.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Aromatic Ingredients:

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare a spacious mixing vessel and thoroughly blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, minced onion, crushed garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until ingredients are evenly distributed.
  2. Lay out parchment paper and gently press the meat mixture into a uniform rectangular shape, ensuring consistent thickness throughout.
  3. Distribute mozzarella cheese down the center of the meat rectangle, leaving slight margins on the edges to facilitate rolling.
  4. Carefully roll the meat from one long side to the other, meticulously pinching and sealing the edges to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.
  5. Position the rolled meatloaf into a lightly greased loaf pan or baking dish, smoothing the surface for even cooking.
  6. Generously spread ketchup across the top of the meatloaf, creating a tangy glaze that will caramelize during baking.
  7. Place in a preheated oven at 375°F and roast for 45-50 minutes, verifying doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  8. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps redistribute internal juices and makes slicing easier.

Notes

  • Spread mozzarella evenly to ensure every slice has gooey, melted cheese throughout the meatloaf.
  • Seal the edges carefully when rolling to keep the cheese from oozing out during baking.
  • Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Assemble the meatloaf a day in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making dinner prep a breeze.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 455
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 125 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star