Description
Savory spinach and mozzarella meatloaf brings Italian-inspired comfort to dinner tables with its cheesy, herbal goodness. Cheese-stuffed meat creates a delightful main course that satisfies hunger and delights palates with each flavorful slice.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef
- 3 eggs (lightly beaten)
Cheese and Vegetable Mix:
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 5 ounces (142 grams) fresh spinach (finely chopped)
- 1/2 onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (crushed)
Binding and Seasoning:
- 2 cups (240 grams) breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, preparing a standard loaf pan with light grease to prevent sticking.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground beef with finely chopped spinach, ensuring even distribution of verdant leafy greens throughout the meat mixture.
- Incorporate breadcrumbs, most of the mozzarella cheese, beaten eggs, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture, kneading gently until ingredients are uniformly combined.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing firmly and creating a smooth, compact surface for even cooking.
- Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 75 minutes, monitoring the internal temperature until it reaches 160°F for complete food safety.
- Carefully remove the meatloaf and generously sprinkle remaining cheese across the top, returning to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes to create a golden, melted cheese crust.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps stabilize the juices and makes slicing easier.
- Slice into hearty portions and serve immediately while the cheese remains warm and gooey, presenting a delectable main course with robust flavors.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or lean chicken for a lighter, lower-fat version that still delivers incredible flavor and protein.
- Add extra vegetables like grated zucchini or finely diced bell peppers to boost nutritional value and create more moisture in the meatloaf.
- Try different cheese varieties such as sharp cheddar or provolone to customize the taste and create unique flavor profiles that match your preference.
- Create a gluten-free alternative by substituting breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg