Stuffed Italian Meatloaf (Printable Version)

Savory beef and sausage loaf stuffed with gooey mozzarella and Italian herbs, topped with marinara and Parmesan.

# Ingredients:

→ For the Meatloaf

01 - 1 ½ lbs ground beef
02 - ½ lb ground sausage
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 cup breadcrumbs
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
08 - 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
09 - 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
10 - ½ cup milk
11 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ For the Filling

12 - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
13 - 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)
14 - ¼ cup marinara sauce

→ For the Topping

15 - ½ cup marinara sauce
16 - ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

# Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
02 - In a large bowl, combine ground beef, sausage, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and parsley. Add milk, salt, and pepper, then mix everything together until fully combined.
03 - On a baking sheet, form the meat mixture into a rectangular loaf (about 9×12 inches). Create a well in the center of the meatloaf and stuff it with mozzarella cheese, spinach (if using), and a spoonful of marinara sauce. Carefully fold the meat around the filling, sealing the edges to form a loaf.
04 - Spread the remaining marinara sauce on top of the meatloaf and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
05 - Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
06 - Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side.

# Notes:

01 - This meatloaf is stuffed with cheese and optionally spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
02 - Using a meat thermometer ensures the meatloaf is properly cooked.