Stuffed Italian Meatloaf Mama Mia Thats Good

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf CookTune My Gooey Delicious Secret

By Kendra ThompsonSeptember 10, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Fancy a Twist on a Classic?

Ever get bored of the same old meatloaf? I did. That's why I created this Stuffed Italian Meatloaf - CookTune .

It's packed with mozzarella, pepperoni, and pesto. Honestly, it's like a party in your mouth. It's a super Good Meatloaf Recipe that brings Italian zest to your table, and it's incredibly yummy.

A Little Italy in a Loaf

This Italian Meatloaf isn't just another meatloaf. It's a culinary hug from Italy. It's a Beef Dinner leveled up. This dish takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes from start to finish and serves 6-8 people.

Making it a fantastic Italian Style Meatloaf for a family gathering.

Why You'll Love It.

Besides tasting amazing, this Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf is packed with protein. Perfect for a satisfying meal. It's a Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe that will make you feel like a total rockstar.

Plus, it's great for weekend dinners. I'm telling you, this is the Best Meatloaf you'll ever make. And if you are looking for a simple dinner, then this Easy Italian Meatloaf Recipe is right up your alley.

Ready to give it a go? Let's check out the ingredients you'll need.

Ingredients & Equipment for Stuffed Italian Meatloaf - CookTune

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for this Good Meatloaf Recipe . Honestly, the shopping list is half the fun! Think of it as your culinary treasure hunt.

Main Ingredients: Your Meatloaf Foundation

These measurements are key to a perfectly balanced Italian Meatloaf . Trust me, I've been there, and a little extra this or not enough that can make all the difference.

Ground Beef: 2 lbs (900g) . Go for 80/20. It's got enough fat for flavor but isn't overly greasy.
Italian Bread Crumbs: 1 cup (120g) . These add texture and that classic Italian taste!
Milk: 1/2 cup (120ml) . It keeps things moist and tender.
Egg: 1 large . Lightly beaten. It's the glue that holds it all together.
Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (60ml) , grated. Adds a salty, nutty kick!
Yellow Onion: 1/4 cup (30g) , finely chopped. Don't skip the aromatics!
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Because everything is better with garlic.
Dried Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon . A little shortcut to Italy!
Salt: 1 teaspoon . Don't underestimate the power of salt!
Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon . Freshly ground is always best, you know?
Tomato Paste: 1/4 cup (60ml) . For a touch of richness and depth.

Stuffing Power

This is where the Best Meatloaf becomes truly special.

Pesto: 1 cup (225g) . store-bought or homemade. Use your fave!
Fresh Mozzarella: 8 oz (225g) , sliced or cubed. It's gotta be fresh, people!
Pepperoni: 4 oz (115g) slices. Adds a spicy, savory bite.

Glaze It Up!

That shiny finish? Pure magic!

Tomato Sauce: 1/2 cup (120ml) . The base of our sweet tangy glaze.
Balsamic Vinegar: 1 tablespoon . Adds a depth of flavor.
Brown Sugar: 1 teaspoon (optional). Just a hint of sweetness, if you like.

Seasoning Notes: Spice it Right

Italian seasoning is your best friend for this Italian Style Meatloaf ! A good combo of basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme is amazing.

A pinch of red pepper flakes can give it a nice kick too. If you don't have Italian seasoning, use a mix of those individual herbs.

No biggie!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need fancy gadgets to make this Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe .

Large mixing bowl. For getting your hands dirty!
Cutting board and Chef's knife. Essential for prep.
Measuring cups and spoons. Precision is key, my friend!
9x5 inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan. The perfect vessel.
Aluminum foil or parchment paper. Makes rolling a breeze.
Instant read thermometer. To ensure it's cooked through.

Honestly, the most important tool is your ensoiasm! Get ready to make an Easy Italian Meatloaf Recipe . It will be a blast!.

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf - CookTune: The Only Good Meatloaf Recipe You'll Ever Need

Honestly, when I think of meatloaf, I think of my Nana. Bless her heart, she tried, but it was always… well, let's just say bland.

But this Stuffed Italian Meatloaf - CookTune ? It's a total game changer. This Italian Meatloaf is far from boring. Forget dry, tasteless meatloaf.

This baby is juicy, cheesy, and packed with flavour!

Prep Steps: Getting Our Ducks in a Row

Essential Mise en Place: First things first, chop your onion and mince that garlic. Get your cheese sliced, your pepperoni ready, and measure out all your spices.

Honestly, having everything prepped makes the whole process so much smoother.

Time Saving Organization Tips: I like to mix my dry ingredients in one bowl and my wet ingredients in another. Makes it easier to combine everything without overmixing later.

Safety Reminders: Don’t forget to wash your hands before handling the ground beef! We don't want any unwelcome guests at our Beef Dinner .

step-by-step Process: Let's Get Cookin'!

Mix your ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, egg, Parmesan, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and tomato paste in a large bowl. Be gentle! Overmixing leads to tough meatloaf.
On parchment paper or foil, flatten the meat mixture into a ½-inch thick rectangle.
Spread pesto over the rectangle, leaving a border. Arrange mozzarella and pepperoni on top. This is where the magic happens!
Carefully roll the meatloaf into a log, using the paper to help. Pinch the ends to seal it up. This is a little tricky but totally doable.
Transfer the roll to your loaf pan, seam side down.
Whisk together tomato sauce, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar for the glaze.
Brush the glaze all over the meatloaf.
Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 60- 75 minutes , or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) .

Pro Tips: Secrets to Meatloaf Mastery

Don't Overmix: I can't stress this enough! Overmixing is the enemy of a tender Best Meatloaf . Chill Out: Chilling the mixture for 30 minutes makes it easier to roll.

Honestly, it helps a ton. Resting is Key: Let the Italian Style Meatloaf rest for 10- 15 minutes before slicing.

This is crucial! It keeps the juices in.

Honestly, this Easy Italian Meatloaf Recipe is a winner. That first slice, with the melty Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf oozing out? Oh my gosh! It's truly something else.

Give it a try; you won't regret it. This recipe for Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe is destined to become a classic.

And hey, if you want to add extra Pepperoni Meatloaf , go for it! It's your kitchen, your rules.

Recipe Notes: Secrets to Stuffed Italian Meatloaf - CookTune Success!

Honestly, making a Stuffed Italian Meatloaf - CookTune is way easier than it looks! But like with any Good Meatloaf Recipe , a few tips can take you from "meh" to "Oh my gosh, this is amazing!" Here are a few things I've learned making this Best Meatloaf , so you can nail it every time.

Serving this Beef Dinner

Want to impress? Slice that Italian Meatloaf thick and place it on a bed of creamy polenta. Drizzle with a little extra pesto for a pop of color.

A simple Italian Style Meatloaf deserves a beautiful presentation, you know?

For sides, think simple. Roasted asparagus or a big green salad with a zesty vinaigrette. A crisp Chianti Classico will really bring out the Italian flavors of this Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe .

It's a killer combination.

Storage Savvy: Keep that Flavor Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Wrap that Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap. Then, pop it in the fridge. It will be good for up to 3 days.

Freezing is also an option. Slice the Pepperoni Meatloaf before freezing. That way, you can grab just what you need.

Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap. Then, store them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Then, warm it up in the oven or microwave.

Mixing It Up: Pesto Meatloaf Variations

Feeling adventurous? Swap the mozzarella for provolone cheese for a slightly sharper flavor. Or, for a bit of seasonal flair, use sun-dried tomatoes instead of pepperoni during the summer months.

Got someone who's gluten-free? Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the mix. Easy peasy! Making an Easy Italian Meatloaf Recipe that caters to everyone is the best.

Nutrition 101: Feel Good About It

Each serving of this Italian Meatloaf packs about 450 calories. You'll also get a hefty dose of protein (around 35g) and healthy fats (28g). It is comforting and hearty!

Did you know? Lean beef is a good source of iron and zinc. Those are essential for energy and immune function.

This Good Meatloaf Recipe is not just tasty. It's also secretly good for you!

So there you have it. Your ticket to meatloaf stardom! Don't be afraid to experiment, have fun, and make it your own. You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the Stuffed Italian Meatloaf - CookTune ahead of time? I'm a busy bee like everyone else these days!

Absolutely! You can assemble the meatloaf up to 24 hours in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. This actually helps the flavors meld together even more.

When you're ready to bake, just take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes beforehand to take the chill off and then bake as directed it's like meal prepping, but Italian style!

My meatloaf always seems dry. What can I do to ensure my Stuffed Italian Meatloaf - CookTune is juicy and delicious?

Dry meatloaf is a common woe, a real tragedy! To keep your meatloaf moist, avoid overmixing the meat, as this develops the gluten and makes it tough. Also, using a higher fat content ground beef (like 80/20) helps immensely.

Letting the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes after baking is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the loaf, making it a real treat.

What substitutions can I make in this Stuffed Italian Meatloaf - CookTune recipe if I'm missing ingredients or want to try something new?

Flexibility is key in the kitchen! If you don't have Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, plain breadcrumbs with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning will work just fine. You can swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina cheese. For a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or stuffing.

For a gluten-free option, just use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

How long will leftovers of this Stuffed Italian Meatloaf - CookTune last, and what's the best way to reheat them?

Leftover meatloaf is a gift that keeps on giving! Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will last for 3-4 days. For reheating, the microwave is quick, but can sometimes dry it out.

For best results, reheat slices in a skillet with a little bit of olive oil or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through almost as good as day one!

Can I freeze the Stuffed Italian Meatloaf - CookTune, either before or after baking?

Absolutely! To freeze before baking, assemble the meatloaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed. You can also freeze it after baking.

Let it cool completely, slice it, and then freeze individual slices for easy portioning perfect for a quick and comforting meal down the line.