Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf

Introduction

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf is a decadent twist on the classic comfort dish. Imagine a juicy, flavorful meatloaf with a gooey, melty mozzarella cheese center that oozes out with every slice. This dish blends the cozy familiarity of meatloaf with the indulgence of cheesy goodness, making it a showstopper at family dinners or gatherings.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it makes meatloaf exciting and irresistible. Traditional meatloaf is comforting, but when you add a molten mozzarella surprise inside, it transforms into a dish that feels indulgent and gourmet. Every slice is satisfying and full of flavor, and it’s the kind of meal that puts a smile on everyone’s face. It also reheats beautifully, which makes it great for leftovers.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Combines two comfort food favorites: cheese and meatloaf.
• Family-friendly and fun—kids especially love the cheesy surprise.
• Versatile and customizable with different cheeses or add-ins.
• Perfect centerpiece dish for weeknights or dinner parties.
• Leftovers make great sandwiches the next day.

Recipe Details

• Cuisine: American Comfort Food
• Course: Main Course
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55–60 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 20 minutes
• Servings: 6–8 slices
• Calories: ~400 kcal per serving

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 lbs ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Stuffing:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a block cut into strips)

For the Topping:

• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional for tang)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Mix all meatloaf ingredients.
2. Shape half the mixture into a base loaf, fill with mozzarella, and cover with remaining meat.
3. Seal edges, add glaze, and bake.
4. Rest before slicing to reveal gooey cheese center.

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or baking dish.
2. Prepare Meatloaf Mixture
   In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, milk, Parmesan, Worcestershire, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
3. Assemble the Stuffed Loaf
   • Place half the meat mixture into the pan, shaping into a flat base.
   • Add mozzarella cheese in the center, leaving a border around the edges.
   • Cover with the remaining meat mixture, pressing edges together to seal.
4. Add Topping
   In a small bowl, whisk ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Spread evenly over the loaf.
5. Bake
   Bake uncovered for 55–60 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Rest & Slice
   Let loaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep juices and melted cheese intact.

How to Serve

• Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.
• Add a fresh green salad for balance.
• Drizzle with extra glaze or marinara sauce for extra flavor.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overmix the meat to avoid a dense loaf.
• Use a block of mozzarella for thicker, gooier cheese pulls.
• Tent with foil if glaze browns too quickly.
• Add chopped spinach or basil to stuffing for freshness.

Variations

• Italian Style: Add marinara sauce instead of ketchup glaze and sprinkle Parmesan on top.
• Bacon Wrapped: Wrap loaf in bacon before baking for smoky flavor.
• Cheese Blend: Use provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack instead of mozzarella.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
• Mini Stuffed Loaves: Make in a muffin tin with a cube of mozzarella in each.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezer (Uncooked): Assemble loaf, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
• Freezer (Cooked): Freeze slices for up to 2 months. Reheat covered at 350°F (175°C).

Special Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Loaf pan or baking dish
• Meat thermometer

FAQ

Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, but add extra breadcrumbs and cheese to keep it moist.

Q2: How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
Make sure edges are well sealed, and avoid overstuffing.

Q3: Can I prepare this ahead?
Yes—assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Q4: Can I use fresh mozzarella?
Yes, but pat it dry first to avoid excess moisture.

Conclusion

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf is the perfect way to elevate a beloved comfort food into something exciting and indulgent. With its gooey cheese center, savory beef mixture, and sweet-tangy glaze, this dish is guaranteed to impress your family and guests. It’s hearty, versatile, and unforgettable—once you try it, regular meatloaf will never be the same.