This tasty meatloaf is filled with gooey mozzarella cheese, making every slice a cheesy treat! Juicy meat and melted cheese come together for a meal everyone will love.
Honestly, who can resist that cheesy surprise in the middle? I like to serve it with some mashed potatoes on the side. Perfect comfort food for cozy dinners! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is perfect for this meatloaf as it keeps it juicy. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken, though it might be a bit drier.
Breadcrumbs: Italian-style breadcrumbs add flavor but feel free to substitute with plain breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers if needed. Gluten-free breadcrumbs can work too!
Milk: Whole milk keeps the meat moist, but you can use any milk, including almond or oat milk, for a dairy-free version.
Cheese: Mozzarella is the star here, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you could use provolone or cheddar for different flavors. Just ensure it’s a melting cheese!
Ketchup: For the glaze, any BBQ sauce can replace ketchup if you want a smokier taste. Or experiment with a mix of mustard and honey for a tangy sweetness!
How Can I Make Sure My Meatloaf Is Juicy and Not Dry?
The key to a juicy meatloaf lies in the mixture and the baking process. Here are a few tips:
- Soaking the breadcrumbs in milk is essential; this helps retain moisture.
- Avoid overmixing the ingredients when combining; this can make the meatloaf dense.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness — aim for 160°F (71°C) for perfectly cooked meat.
Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing is crucial too — it allows the cheese to set and keeps it from spilling out too much!
How to Make Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Meat: 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- Binder: 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- Moisture: 1 cup whole milk
- Eggs: 2 large eggs
- Vegetables: 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Flavor: 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Herbs: 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Cheese: 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Stuffing: 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into thick sticks or slices for stuffing
- Glaze: 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Garnish: Fresh herbs (such as thyme or parsley, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep time and around 55-65 minutes for baking. Plus, you’ll want to let it rest for 10 minutes after cooking. So, you should plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes total to prepare and enjoy your delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Soak the Breadcrumbs:
In a small bowl, soak the Italian-style breadcrumbs in the milk for about 5 minutes until they become nice and soft.
3. Mix the Meat Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, oregano, and grated Parmesan cheese. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything gently until just combined. Remember, don’t overmix—this will help keep your meatloaf tender and juicy!
4. Form the Meatloaf Base:
Divide the meat mixture in half. Press one half firmly into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan to create a flat base.
5. Add the Cheese:
Place the mozzarella sticks or slices evenly over the meat layer. Make sure to leave about an inch of space at each end to avoid cheese overflow during baking.
6. Cover the Cheese:
Carefully spread the remaining meat mixture over the top of the cheese to create a sealed layer. Make sure to smooth the top out for an even bake.
7. Prepare the Glaze:
In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to create a delicious glaze.
8. Add the Glaze:
Spread the glaze evenly over the top of your meatloaf for a yummy caramelized finish.
9. Bake the Meatloaf:
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 55-65 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the top is beautifully caramelized.
10. Let it Rest:
Once it’s done baking, take the meatloaf out and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the cheese to set, making it easier to slice without losing all that melty goodness.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
If you’d like, garnish your meatloaf with fresh herbs before slicing. Serve it warm alongside your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a fresh salad. Enjoy!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a leaner alternative, but keep in mind that it may result in a drier meatloaf. To counter this, you might want to add a little extra moisture, like an additional egg or some finely chopped vegetables.
Can I Prepare This Meatloaf in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and even stuff it with cheese a day ahead of time. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop individual slices in the microwave or warm them gently in the oven to keep the meatloaf moist.
Can I Freeze Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatloaf?
Definitely! You can freeze the uncooked meatloaf after assembling it. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. Cooked meatloaf can also be frozen for up to 3 months.