Description
This stuffed meatloaf with mozzarella combines a juicy ground beef mixture seasoned with Italian herbs and savory Parmesan cheese, enveloping a delicious center of gooey mozzarella cheese. Topped with tangy ketchup or BBQ sauce and baked to perfection, this meatloaf makes a comforting and hearty meal. Garnished with fresh parsley, it serves six and is an ideal main dish for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 500g ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Stuffing & Topping
- 200g mozzarella cheese, sliced or in a log
- 1/2 cup ketchup or BBQ sauce
- Additional mozzarella for topping (about 50g)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, finely diced onion, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated but do not overwork to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape the Base: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take half of the meat mixture and shape it into a loaf base, evenly distributing it and forming a rectangle with edges slightly raised to hold the stuffing.
- Add Mozzarella Filling: Arrange the sliced or log mozzarella cheese down the center of the meat base, leaving some space along the edges to seal the top layer.
- Seal the Meatloaf: Cover the mozzarella with the remaining meat mixture, pressing gently to seal the edges completely around the cheese to prevent it from leaking during baking.
- Top with Sauce: Spread ketchup or BBQ sauce evenly over the top surface of the meatloaf for flavor and a lightly caramelized finish.
- Bake the Meatloaf: Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), ensuring the meat is fully cooked.
- Add Extra Mozzarella: About 10 minutes before the end of baking, sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top and return to the oven to melt and lightly brown.
- Rest the Meatloaf: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes; this lets the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the rested meatloaf for a fresh pop of flavor and color before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with a mix of ground beef and pork for added flavor.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- For a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
- Make sure to seal the edges tightly to prevent cheese from oozing out during baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
