Cheesy mozzarella stuffed meatloaf is a mouthwatering twist on the classic comfort food. This recipe takes traditional meatloaf and elevates it with a gooey, melted mozzarella cheese center that adds a burst of flavor and texture to every bite.
To make cheesy mozzarella stuffed meatloaf, start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 lbs of ground beef with 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup of chopped parsley, 1/4 cup of chopped onion, 1/4 cup of milk, 1 egg, 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
Divide the meat mixture in half and press half of it into the bottom of the prepared baking sheet to form a rectangle. Place 4 oz of mozzarella cheese sticks in the center of the meat mixture, leaving a border around the edges. Press the remaining meat mixture over the cheese sticks, sealing the edges to enclose the cheese.
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Serve the cheesy mozzarella stuffed meatloaf slices with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes and vegetables, for a hearty and satisfying meal.
This cheesy mozzarella stuffed meatloaf is sure to become a family favorite. It’s a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Meatloaf:
1 ½ pounds 80%-90% lean ground beef , or ground turkey or 1 pound ground pork and 1 pound ground beef
2 Tablespoons ketchup
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup milk , or beef broth
1 large egg , whisked
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper , plus more for topping (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
4-8 ounces mozzarella cheese , sliced
Sauce
⅔ cup ketchup or BBQ sauce , you could mix half and half
2-3 Tablespoons light brown sugar
Fresh parsley , for serving.
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet or 9×5-inch loaf pan with foil. Lightly spray with nonstick spray.
In a large bowl, gently mix together the beef, breadcrumbs, broth, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder with a wooden spoon or your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Remove half the meat from the bowl and shape on the prepared pan (you can also press into a loaf pan). Place the mozzarella slices down the center, leaving about 1/2 inch around the sides. Place the remaining meat on the top and shape the loaf, making sure to seal the edges.
Sauce
In a small bowl, stir together the ketchup and/or BBQ sauce and brown sugar until smooth. Pour over the top of the meatloaf. Add pepper on top, if desired.
Bake 45 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reaches 160°F. Let rest 5 minutes. Slice and sprinkle with parsley to serve.