Meatloaf is a classic dish loved by many for its comforting flavors and hearty appeal. But what happens when you take this traditional dish to the next level by stuffing it with gooey, melted mozzarella cheese? The result is a Stuffed Meatloaf Loaded with Mozzarella Cheese that’s as delicious as it sounds—rich, cheesy, and guaranteed to please everyone around the dinner table. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through creating a meatloaf that’s not only flavorful but also packed with cheesy goodness.

In this article, we’ll break down the ingredients, instructions, tips, and tricks that will make your stuffed meatloaf the star of any meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or just looking for a hearty meal, this stuffed meatloaf is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Meatloaf

There are several reasons why Stuffed Meatloaf Loaded with Mozzarella Cheese should be your next go-to recipe. Here’s why this meatloaf is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen:

Cheesy Center: The mozzarella cheese in the middle creates a savory and gooey surprise that takes a traditional meatloaf to a new level. It’s like finding a treasure inside every bite!
Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients used in this recipe are everyday kitchen staples, meaning you probably already have everything you need. From ground beef to breadcrumbs, this recipe is easy to prep with ingredients you can find at your local grocery store.
Family-Friendly: The combination of flavors and textures makes it a perfect meal for both kids and adults. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish, so cleanup is a breeze!
Customizable: While mozzarella cheese is the star in this recipe, you can easily swap it out for other types of cheese or add extra ingredients to suit your tastes. Feel free to get creative with this dish!
Comfort Food at Its Best: This is the kind of meal that warms your soul and fills you up, making it a great option for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something hearty.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Stuffed Meatloaf Loaded with Mozzarella Cheese

Before you get started, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:

Ground Beef – 2 pounds (I recommend an 80/20 blend for juiciness and flavor)
Breadcrumbs – 1 cup (plain breadcrumbs are ideal for controlling flavor)
Grated Parmesan Cheese – 1/2 cup (adds a savory kick and extra depth)
Egg – 1 large egg (helps bind everything together)
Milk – 1/4 cup (for moisture and tenderness)
Onion – 1 small, finely chopped (sweet and savory flavor)
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced (to enhance the overall flavor)
Italian Seasoning – 1 teaspoon (adds a classic blend of herbs)
Worcestershire Sauce – 1 teaspoon (adds a depth of flavor)
Salt and Pepper – to taste (seasoning is key for perfect flavor)
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – 2 cups (the star ingredient that makes it “stuffed” and delicious)
Ketchup – 1/2 cup (for a sweet and tangy topping)
Fresh Parsley – chopped (for garnish and color)

These simple, easy-to-find ingredients combine to make a meatloaf that’s flavorful, cheesy, and perfect for a family meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Stuffed Meatloaf Loaded with Mozzarella Cheese

Creating the Stuffed Meatloaf Loaded with Mozzarella Cheese is straightforward, and the best part is that you don’t need any special equipment to get it right. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a juicy, cheesy meatloaf in no time!

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking a meatloaf that’s golden brown on the outside while staying juicy and tender on the inside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, milk, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together with your hands or a spoon until all the ingredients are well-combined. The mixture should be moist but firm enough to hold its shape when formed into a loaf.

The breadcrumbs help bind the ingredients together, while the egg and milk add moisture to keep the meatloaf tender. The onion and garlic bring in extra flavor, and the Italian seasoning gives it that delicious, herby kick.

Step 3: Stuff the Meatloaf with Mozzarella

Now comes the fun part! Take a baking sheet or a loaf pan and shape your meat mixture into a loaf. Press a well down the center of the meatloaf using your hands or the back of a spoon.

Fill this well with the shredded mozzarella cheese, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Once the cheese is inside, carefully fold the sides of the meatloaf over it to seal it in. You want to make sure that the cheese is fully encased within the meatloaf, so it can melt and create a delicious gooey center.

Step 4: Bake the Meatloaf

Place the stuffed meatloaf on your prepared baking sheet or in the loaf pan and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This ensures that the meatloaf is fully cooked while keeping it juicy and tender.

If you prefer a more crispy exterior, you can bake it for a little longer until the top gets golden brown.

Step 5: Add the Ketchup Topping

In the last 10 minutes of baking, spread a thin layer of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf. This adds a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, which complements the savory flavors of the meat and cheese. The ketchup will caramelize slightly as it bakes, creating a delicious glaze.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the meatloaf is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that each slice is moist and flavorful.

Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Slice the meatloaf into thick pieces, and serve while it’s still hot. The melted mozzarella cheese inside will ooze out when you cut into it, making each bite a cheesy delight.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Stuffed Meatloaf

Choose the Right Ground Beef

For the juiciest meatloaf, opt for an 80/20 blend of ground beef. The higher fat content ensures that the meatloaf stays moist and flavorful. You can use leaner beef, but it might result in a drier meatloaf.

Keep the Cheese Inside the Meatloaf

When stuffing the meatloaf with mozzarella, make sure the cheese is fully sealed inside. If it’s exposed, it could melt and ooze out during baking, which might cause a mess. Sealing it properly ensures that you get that gooey, melty center you’re looking for.

Don’t Overmix the Meat

While it’s important to combine the ingredients well, be careful not to overmix the meat mixture. Overmixing can make the meatloaf tough. Gently mix the ingredients until just combined for a tender and juicy result.

Let the Meatloaf Rest

Allowing the meatloaf to rest after baking is key. This step ensures that it holds together better when sliced and that the flavors have time to develop fully. Don’t skip this step!

Add Extra Toppings

Feel free to get creative with your toppings. You can add a few slices of melted cheese on top, sprinkle with some crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat, or even top it with caramelized onions for an added layer of flavor.

Nutritional Information

While this Stuffed Meatloaf Loaded with Mozzarella Cheese is undeniably delicious, it’s also important to consider the nutritional value. The following is an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving (based on 8 servings per loaf):

Calories: 350
Protein: 27g
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 4g

This meatloaf is rich and satisfying, making it a great option for a filling dinner. To reduce the calorie count, you can use leaner beef or substitute some of the cheese with lower-fat options.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you’re a fan of stuffed meatloaf and want to explore similar recipes, check out these delicious options:

Bacon Mushroom Swiss Cheese Meatloaf – A savory and smoky twist on the classic meatloaf with crispy bacon and melted Swiss cheese.
Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf – This recipe adds a delicious layer of bacon and mozzarella, wrapped together for extra flavor.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf – A lighter, healthier meatloaf made with ground chicken and flavorful garlic Parmesan seasoning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Stuffed Meatloaf Loaded with Mozzarella Cheese

1. Can You Use Mozzarella Cheese in Meatloaf?

Yes! Mozzarella cheese is a fantastic addition to meatloaf. It adds a creamy, melty texture that enhances the flavor of the dish. In the Stuffed Meatloaf Loaded with Mozzarella Cheese, the mozzarella is tucked inside the meatloaf, creating a gooey, cheesy center that melts beautifully as it bakes. If you prefer a different cheese, feel free to experiment with other options like cheddar or provolone, but mozzarella is the classic choice for its mild flavor and meltability.

2. How Do You Make Meatloaf Hold Its Shape?

The key to a meatloaf that holds its shape is a balance of ingredients that bind the meat together. Breadcrumbs and eggs are essential for this, as they help absorb moisture and hold the meat together while cooking. Be sure not to overmix the meat mixture, as this can cause the loaf to become tough and dry. Additionally, make sure to form the meatloaf tightly, without pressing too hard, to maintain its shape while baking. If you’re stuffing your meatloaf (as in this mozzarella-stuffed version), ensure the stuffing is sealed properly so the loaf doesn’t fall apart during cooking.

3. Does Meatloaf Have to Rest?

Yes, it’s important to let meatloaf rest after baking. Allowing it to rest for about 5 minutes helps the juices redistribute, which keeps the meatloaf moist and makes it easier to slice. If you slice the meatloaf immediately after removing it from the oven, the juices may run out, leaving you with a drier loaf. Resting also helps the meatloaf firm up, making it easier to cut clean slices.

4. How Can You Mess Up Meatloaf?

There are several ways you could inadvertently mess up meatloaf, but here are some of the most common mistakes:

Overmixing the Meat: When you mix the meat, it’s important not to overdo it. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense meatloaf. Mix just until everything is combined.
Using Too Lean Meat: Lean ground beef (such as 90% lean) can result in a dry meatloaf. For a juicy and flavorful meatloaf, aim for an 80/20 blend of beef.
Underseasoning: Meatloaf can be bland if you don’t season it properly. Be sure to use enough salt, pepper, and other seasonings to enhance the flavor.
Not Sealing the Stuffing Properly: If you’re making a stuffed meatloaf (like the mozzarella-stuffed version), ensure that the cheese is fully enclosed by the meat. If the cheese leaks out during baking, the meatloaf could fall apart.
Not Checking the Internal Temperature: Meatloaf should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). If it’s undercooked, it will be raw inside, and if overcooked, it can become dry. Always use a meat thermometer to check the temperature for perfect results.

Conclusion

Making Stuffed Meatloaf Loaded with Mozzarella Cheese is a great way to transform a traditional family favorite into something extraordinary. With its tender meat, gooey cheese center, and savory flavor, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a dinner party, this cheesy meatloaf is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation.

The best part? This dish is highly customizable, so feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add additional spices to make it your own. No matter how you make it, this Stuffed Meatloaf Loaded with Mozzarella Cheese is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.

Stuffed Meatloaf Loaded with Mozzarella Cheese Recipe

Author: MixMealMagic
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This Stuffed Meatloaf Loaded with Mozzarella Cheese is the ultimate comfort food! Juicy ground beef seasoned to perfection, wrapped around gooey mozzarella, and finished with a ketchup glaze. It’s hearty, cheesy, and always a hit at the dinner table.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
1 cup plain breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1/4 cup milk
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup ketchup
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix the meat mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, milk, chopped onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully incorporated—just enough to bring everything together.
Shape and stuff the loaf: On a lined baking sheet or in a loaf pan, shape the meat mixture into a rectangle. Use your hands or a spoon to create a trench down the middle and stuff it with shredded mozzarella. Gently mold the meat around the cheese to seal it in.
Bake it: Pop it into the oven and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the internal temperature hits 160°F (71°C).
Glaze it: About 10 minutes before it’s done, spread ketchup evenly over the top for that classic meatloaf glaze.
Let it rest: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot with your favorite sides.

Notes

Want even more flavor? Add chopped bell peppers or a dash of smoked paprika to the meat mix.
You can prep this meatloaf ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
Use a meat thermometer to avoid guessing—perfect doneness is 160°F.
Leftovers are fantastic! Just store in the fridge and reheat slices in the oven or microwave.
Swap mozzarella with cheddar or provolone for a tasty twist.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dinner, Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of loaf)
Calories: 460 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 125mg

Keywords: Stuffed Meatloaf Loaded with Mozzarella Cheese, cheesy meatloaf, mozzarella meatloaf, easy meatloaf recipe, baked stuffed meatloaf