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Sliced stuffed Italian meatloaf with melted mozzarella cheese center on white plate with marinara sauce

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

A savory blend of ground beef, Italian sausage, and melted mozzarella cheese wrapped in a flavorful meatloaf with marinara sauce topping.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef 85/15 lean recommended
  • 0.5 lb ground Italian sausage mild or hot
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded, for filling
  • 1 cup fresh spinach chopped, optional
  • 0.75 cup marinara sauce divided (1/4 cup for filling, 1/2 cup for topping)
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese grated, for topping

Equipment

  • Baking sheet or loaf pan
  • Meat thermometer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, chopped onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and parsley. Pour in milk and season with salt and pepper. Mix gently with hands until just combined.
  3. On prepared baking sheet, pat meat mixture into a flat rectangular shape about 9x12 inches and roughly 3/4 inch thick. Use damp hands to prevent sticking.
  4. Create a shallow channel down the center of the rectangle, leaving about 2 inches of space on all sides. Layer shredded mozzarella, chopped spinach, and 1/4 cup marinara sauce into this channel.
  5. Carefully lift the long edges of the meat and fold them over the filling, pinching the seams together firmly until you feel them bond with no gaps. Gently roll the loaf seam-side down and shape into a smooth, even log.
  6. Spread remaining 1/2 cup marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
  7. Bake for 45-55 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F on a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part. The top should be golden brown with slightly darker, caramelized edges.
  8. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute and ensure cleaner slices.

Notes

For best results, seal the edges tightly when rolling to prevent cheese from leaking. Can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking. Freezes well for up to 3 months when wrapped tightly.