Stuffed Meatloaf

Why prepare the same-old classic meatloaf for dinner when you could have this amazing Stuffed Meatloaf? With its delicious cheese layer and a homemade ketchup topping, you’ll never want to make meatloaf another way!

I’ve met lots of kids and adults who don’t like meatloaf at all. It always surprises me until I realize just how many people in this world haven’t had a great meatloaf dish like this cheese-stuffed meatloaf. It’s hard to resist seasoned ground beef with gooey cheese in the middle and a tangy homemade ketchup topping! 

If you’re someone who’s never had a good meatloaf, give this a try. It’ll make a convert out of you for sure! 

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe

• No complicated steps. Basically, you’ll be layering meat and cheese in a pan and mixing a sauce. No fancy know-how is needed! It’s perfectly no-fuss.
• Easy-to-find, economical ingredients. Much like this meatloaf is simple to make, it’s also simple to acquire everything. Once again, nothing fancy here, but the flavor certainly will blow you away!
• Family-friendly. This meatloaf is moist, cheesy, and has a ketchup topping that’ll totally be a hit with all your loved ones.

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf: What You’ll Need

For the meatloaf:

• Ground beef: Use 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef. If you use 90/10 lean ground beef, you’ll end up with a dry meatloaf!
• Breadcrumbs: Use panko breadcrumbs.
• Seasonings: Kosher salt, black peppers, and Italian seasoning.
• Cheeses: Slices of provolone and (of course!) shredded mozzarella cheese should do the trick.
• Worcestershire sauce: For that tangy-yet-sweet flavor.
• Other liquid ingredients: Milk and egg to bind it all together.

For the ketchup topping:

• Liquid ingredients: Ketchup (of course!), Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar for a tangy flair.
• Brown sugar: For a touch of sweetness.
• Garlic: Minced.
• Cayenne pepper: For just the slightest hint of heat. This shouldn’t be too much for sensitive eaters, however.

How To Make Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf

This stuffed meatloaf is a drama-free recipe that really brings the standard meatloaf dinner to a new (and tastier) level.

• Step 1: Prepare your kitchen. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
• Step 2: Make your ground beef mixture. Combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, milk, egg, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix in a large mixing bowl until well combined. 
• Step 3: Divide the meat mixture in half. Press half of the meat mixture into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan evenly.

• Step 4: Add the cheese. Place the provolone slices folded in half over the meat mixture, then layer the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the provolone.
• Step 5: Add the final layer. Press the remaining half of the meat mixture on top of the cheese layers. (Be sure to seal the edges!) Smooth the surface of this meat mixture.
• Step 6: Make and add the sauce. Mix the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and cayenne pepper to make the sauce topping in a separate bowl. Spread half of the sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

• Step 7: Bake your meatloaf. Bake the meatloaf in a preheated oven for 40 minutes.  Remove from the oven and spread over half of the sauce evenly over the top of the loaf. Bake for another 20 minutes or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
• Step 8: Serve your meatloaf. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!

Variations:

Meatloaf is versatile as it is, so unsurprisingly, you can change up your mozzarella stuffed meatloaf as you’d like. You can try:

• Using different cheeses. Cheddar cheese, swiss, parmesan cheese and even blue cheese taste fantastic with this meatloaf.
• Adding more to the filling. I like using mushrooms, basil, onions, or bell peppers in the “filling” layer, depending on what I have available! 

Stuffed Meatloaf: FAQs

How should I store leftover stuffed meatloaf?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How long does it take to make mozzarella stuffed meatloaf?

This recipe requires 20 minutes of prep time and an hour cooking time to bake.

Why is my meatloaf falling apart?

Be sure you added enough of the recipe’s binding agents, like breadcrumbs, eggs, and milk. Don’t skip those! Additionally, a crumbling meatloaf may be a sign it was overcooked. Don’t let it sit in the oven too long!

More Meatloaf Recipes:

• Bacon-wrapped Meatloaf
• Mini Meatloaf
• Stovetop Stuffing Meatloaf
• Mama’s Awesome Meatloaf Recipe