Stuffed Meatloaf: A Family Favorite That’s Easy and Delicious
A hearty, comforting meatloaf stuffed with a gooey cheese and spinach filling, wrapped in a blanket of seasoned ground beef. Perfect for family dinners with a surprise cheesy center!
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 65 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 35 mins (includes resting)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- Meatloaf:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Filling:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Glaze:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make filling: Mix mozzarella, ricotta, spinach, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Set aside.
- Prepare meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Mix until just combined.
- Assemble: On prepared sheet, press meat mixture into a 12×8-inch rectangle. Spread filling down the center, leaving a 1-inch border. Roll meat tightly around filling, sealing edges.
- Glaze: Mix ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard. Brush half over meatloaf.
- Bake 45 minutes, then brush with remaining glaze. Bake 15-20 more mins until internal temp reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
Notes
- For leaner meat: Use ground turkey or chicken (add 1 tbsp olive oil)
- Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate
- Freezing: Wrap unbaked loaf tightly, freeze up to 3 months (add 15-20 mins baking time)
- Alternative fillings: Mushrooms & Swiss, pepperoni & provolone, or jalapeños & pepper jack
- Leftovers: Makes excellent sandwiches or crumble into pasta sauce
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Find it online: https://us.recipesfood.org/stuffed-meatloaf/
