Delicious Italian stuffed meatloaf served with rich tomato sauce and herbs

Slice of Italy: Italian Stuffed Meatloaf for Sunday-Style Comfort


Italian Stuffed Meatloaf is a delicious twist on a classic dish. This comforting meal combines ground beef with a savory stuffing of cheese and fresh spinach, making it a family favorite. Topped with a tangy sauce, this meatloaf brings warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table.


Why Make This Recipe

You should make Italian Stuffed Meatloaf because it is hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare. It incorporates nutritious ingredients like spinach and cheese, making it a great way to sneak some veggies into your meal. Plus, it feeds a crowd, so it’s perfect for family gatherings or meal prep for the week.


How to Make Italian Stuffed Meatloaf

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped spinach, onion, garlic, egg, milk, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.
  3. On a baking sheet, shape half of the meat mixture into a rectangle.
  4. Layer shredded cheese on top of the meat.
  5. Place the remaining meat mixture on top, sealing the edges.
  6. In a small bowl, mix together tomato sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Spread over the meatloaf.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
  8. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

How to Serve Italian Stuffed Meatloaf

Serve the Italian Stuffed Meatloaf hot, sliced into thick pieces. It pairs well with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad. You can also drizzle a little extra tomato sauce on top for added flavor.


How to Store Italian Stuffed Meatloaf

To store leftovers, let the meatloaf cool completely and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, up to 3 months. Make sure to cut it into slices before freezing for easy serving.


Tips to Make Italian Stuffed Meatloaf

  • Use lean ground beef for a healthier option, or substitute it with turkey or chicken.
  • You can add other vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Make sure to seal the meat edges well to prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking.

Variation

For a different twist, you can use different types of cheese like feta or gouda. You can also add herbs like basil or oregano for an extra flavor boost.


FAQs

1. Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and shape the meatloaf a day in advance. Cover it and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake.

2. Can I grill the stuffed meatloaf?
Yes, you can grill it, but be sure to use a grilling pan or wrap it in foil to prevent it from falling apart.

3. What if I don’t have breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers or oatmeal as a substitute. Just adjust the amount slightly to achieve the right consistency.


Print
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Italian Stuffed Meatloaf


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  • Author: angela
  • Total Time: 75 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: None

Description

A delicious twist on a classic dish, combining ground beef with a savory stuffing of cheese and fresh spinach.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped spinach, onion, garlic, egg, milk, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a large bowl. Mix until well combined.
  3. Shape half of the meat mixture into a rectangle on a baking sheet.
  4. Layer shredded cheese on top of the meat.
  5. Place the remaining meat mixture on top, sealing the edges.
  6. Mix tomato sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Spread it over the meatloaf.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
  8. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Notes

Use lean ground beef for a healthier option or substitute with turkey or chicken. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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