Name: Devastating Stuffed Italian Meatloaf With Cheese & Herbs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs ground beef; 0.5 lb ground Italian sausage; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 egg, beaten; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper; 8 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced; 0.25 cup chopped fresh basil; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 cup marinara sauce

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs

Jump to Recipe

Okay, let’s talk meatloaf! I don’t know about you, but meatloaf night was always a big deal growing up. It just screams “comfort food,” doesn’t it? My mom had her classic recipe, and it was good, but this… THIS is next level. We’re talking *Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs*! It’s got all that cozy, homey goodness you expect, but with a fun Italian twist that’ll make your taste buds sing.

I remember one time, I tried to “help” Mom make meatloaf, and I accidentally dumped in, like, a whole container of dried oregano. Oops! It was… intense. But hey, it sparked my love for experimenting in the kitchen! And that’s how this *Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs* came to be. It’s seriously the perfect way to jazz up your usual meatloaf routine. Imagine: juicy beef and sausage, gooey mozzarella, and a burst of fresh herbs. Trust me, this is one you’ll be making again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs

Quick and Easy Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs

Seriously, don’t let “stuffed” scare you off! This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs is surprisingly simple to throw together. We’re talking minimal prep and maximum flavor payoff. You got this!

Flavor-Packed Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs

Oh my goodness, the flavors! The Italian sausage, the gooey cheese, the fresh herbs… it’s a party in your mouth! This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs is way more exciting than your average meatloaf, trust me.

A Crowd-Pleasing Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs

Got a family dinner coming up? This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs is your secret weapon. Everyone will rave about it! Plus, it makes amazing leftovers (if there *are* any!).

Ingredients for Your Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs. Don’t skimp on the fresh stuff – it makes a HUGE difference!

1.5 lbs ground beef (I like using 80/20 for extra flavor!)
0.5 lb ground Italian sausage (mild or hot, you choose!)
1 cup breadcrumbs (plain is perfect, but Italian seasoned works too)
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the real stuff, not the green can, okay?)
0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley (curly or flat-leaf, whatever you prefer)
2 cloves garlic, minced (or more, if you’re a garlic fiend like me!)
1 large egg, beaten (just give it a quick whisk)
0.5 tsp salt (kosher salt is my go-to)
0.25 tsp black pepper (freshly ground, if possible!)
8 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced (fresh mozzarella is amazing, but regular works too)
0.25 cup chopped fresh basil (smells SO good!)
1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing the meatloaf)
1/2 cup marinara sauce (for serving – use your favorite!)

How to Make Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think to make this amazing Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be a meatloaf master in no time!

First things first: crank up that oven to 350°F (175°C). Gotta get it nice and toasty in there!

Preparing the Meat Mixture for Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs

Now, grab a big bowl – the biggest you’ve got! Toss in your ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper.
Get your hands in there (yes, really!) and mix everything together. You want it evenly combined, but don’t go overboard. Overmixing makes for a tough meatloaf, and nobody wants that! Just until it’s all nicely blended, okay?

Stuffing and Rolling the Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs

Lay out a big sheet of parchment paper. This is key for easy rolling! Dump your meat mixture onto the paper and flatten it out into a big rectangle, about an inch thick. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect – we’re going for rustic charm here!
Now comes the fun part! Layer those mozzarella slices all over the meat, and sprinkle that fresh basil on top. Go crazy! This is where all that cheesy, herby goodness comes from.
Carefully roll that meatloaf up, starting from one end. Pinch the seams to seal everything in. You don’t want that cheese oozing out everywhere! (Okay, maybe a *little* oozing is okay…).

Baking Your Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs to Perfection

Brush the outside of your masterpiece with olive oil. This helps it get nice and brown and adds a little extra flavor.
Carefully transfer the meatloaf to a baking sheet.
Pop it in that preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. You want the internal temperature to reach 160°F (71°C). If you’ve got a meat thermometer, now’s the time to use it!
Once it’s done, let that meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This is super important! It lets the juices redistribute, so you don’t end up with a dry meatloaf. Trust me on this one.
Slice it up and serve with your favorite marinara sauce. And get ready for some serious compliments!

Tips for Success: Achieving the Perfect Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs

Want to make sure your Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs is a total knockout? Of course, you do! Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned along the way to guarantee meatloaf perfection.

Don’t Overmix Your Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs

Seriously, this is HUGE! Overmixing develops the gluten in the breadcrumbs, and that leads to a tough, dense meatloaf. We want tender and juicy, remember? So, mix it gently, just until everything’s combined.

High-Quality Ingredients for a Delicious Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs

Good ingredients = good food! Splurge on the fresh herbs – they make a HUGE difference in the flavor of this Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs. And don’t skimp on the meat! Good-quality ground beef and Italian sausage will take this to the next level.

Let Your Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs Rest

Patience, my friend! I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but letting that meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes after baking is essential. It allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and moist Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs. Plus, it’s easier to slice!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs

Okay, so maybe you don’t have *everything* on hand. No worries! Here are a few swaps you can make for this Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs. Just promise you won’t skip the cheese!

Don’t have mozzarella? Provolone or even a sharp cheddar would be yummy! Out of breadcrumbs? Crush up some crackers – seriously, it works! And if you’re not a fan of parsley or basil, try oregano or thyme. It’s all good!

Serving Suggestions for Your Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs

Alright, you’ve got this amazing Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs… now what do you serve with it? My go-to is creamy mashed potatoes – they’re just so good with that marinara sauce! But roasted veggies (broccoli, carrots, yum!) or even a simple salad work great too. Honestly, you can’t go wrong!

Storing and Reheating Your Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs is even better the next day (seriously!). Just pop it in an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. To reheat, a quick zap in the microwave works, but for extra deliciousness, try slicing it and pan-frying it until it’s crispy. Mmm!

Nutritional Information for Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs

Okay, let’s talk numbers! Now, I’m no nutritionist, so please keep in mind that these are just estimates. The nutritional info for this Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs can vary *a lot* depending on the exact ingredients you use (brands, cuts of meat, etc.). So, take this with a grain of salt (a *little* salt, not too much!). I’m just giving you a general idea, okay?

Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs

Got questions? I got answers! Here are a few of the most common things folks ask me about this Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs. Don’t be shy – ask away if you have more!

Can I freeze Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs?

You betcha! This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs freezes beautifully. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or pop it in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for a couple of months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

What is the best cheese to use in Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs?

Okay, while I *love* mozzarella in this Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs, you can totally experiment! Provolone is a classic choice, or even a little bit of fontina would be delicious. Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts well!

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef in Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs?

Absolutely! If you’re looking to lighten things up, ground turkey or chicken works just fine in this Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs. Just keep in mind that they tend to be a bit drier than beef, so you might want to add a tablespoon or two of olive oil to the meat mixture to keep things moist.

Enjoy Your Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs!

Alright, go make this Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Cheese & Herbs and tell me what you think! Leave a comment, rate the recipe, or share a pic – I wanna see your meatloaf masterpieces!