Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that can be reinvented in countless ways. One of the most delightful twists is the Stuffed Italian Meatloaf. Imagine juicy, succulent beef infused with the rich, aromatic herbs of Italy, packed with delicious fillings. This recipe will have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about meatloaf. Let’s dive into this culinary journey and create a dish that not only satisfies the palate but also warms the heart.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Equipments
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet or loaf pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
How to Make Stuffed Italian Meatloaf – Step By Step
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare your baking sheet or loaf pan by greasing it lightly.
Before diving into the meat mixture, it is essential to kick things off by setting the right temperature in your oven. A properly preheated oven ensures that your meatloaf cooks evenly and maintains its juicy texture. While your oven heats up, get your baking gear ready by lightly greasing your chosen pan. This will prevent the meatloaf from sticking, allowing for a smooth removal and perfect presentation once cooked.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, onions, and garlic.
Gather the ground beef and Italian sausage together and introduce them to the breadcrumbs and Parmesan. These ingredients not only bind the meatloaf together but also enhance its flavors with a rustic Italian touch. Throw in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, which will simmer and infuse the meat mixture with delectable tastes as it bakes.
Step 3: Add oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the mixture, followed by beaten eggs and milk. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
Once all your main ingredients are combined, it’s time to introduce the herbs and spices. Oregano and basil bring a delightful fragrance reminiscent of Italian kitchens. As you sprinkle salt and pepper, mix them well to ensure every bite of your meatloaf is seasoned perfectly. Pour in the eggs and milk for moisture, stirring them thoroughly to bind everything together smoothly.
Step 4: Lay out the meat mixture on a flat surface, shaping it into a rectangle. Lay the mozzarella cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil in the center.
Take your cohesive meat blend and spread it out on your workspace, forming it into a neat rectangular shape. This is the canvas for your stuffing. Generously layer shredded mozzarella down the center, followed closely by vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, which will release their aromatic oils and flavor the meat from the inside out.
Step 5: Gently roll the meat around the stuffing, sealing the edges completely to form a loaf shape.
With precision and care, begin rolling your meat rectangle, enveloping your cheese and tomatoes deep within. Make sure to press along the edges softly, sealing the luscious fillings inside. This ensures the cheese melts into the meat rather than oozing out while baking. You should now have a firm yet tender loaf ready for cooking.
Step 6: Transfer the meatloaf onto your prepared baking sheet or loaf pan, and place it in the oven. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Carefully transport your newly formed loaf to the baking sheet or loaf pan and position it in the oven. As it bakes, the kitchen will fill with the savory scent of Italian spices. Ensure to cook it for the full duration and rely on a food thermometer to attain that perfect level of doneness: 160°F (71°C). This ensures that the meat is not only safe to eat but at its juiciest.
Step 7: Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist result.
Once achieving a golden finish and thoroughly cooked center, remove the meatloaf from the oven. It is critical to exercise patience here; allow it to rest for ten minutes. This step gives ample time for the internal juices to calm down and spread evenly, promising each slice is tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
How to Serve Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
Once adequately rested, slice the meatloaf carefully into even portions. This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar or alongside a helping of creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a drizzle of marinara sauce for added flair and flavor.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
To craft the ultimate Stuffed Italian Meatloaf, consider these golden nuggets of advice. Always use fresh ingredients, where possible, as freshness is the key to genuine flavors. Also, don’t skip the resting period post-cooking; it’s crucial for maximum juiciness. Not a fan of mozzarella? Swap it out for provolone or even a spicy cheese for a kick. Lastly, get creative with the stuffing – olives, roasted peppers, or spinach can turn this classic into your personalized culinary creation!
Pumped Up Protein: High-Protein Italian Stuffed Meatloaf
Want to amp up the protein power in your Italian stuffed meatloaf while keeping all the flavors intact? Consider adding roasted chickpeas or lentils into your stuffing mix. Not only do they introduce a wonderful texture, but they also significantly boost the protein content, making this dish not just tasty but great for fitness enthusiasts looking for a meal fit for their nutritional regimen.
If you’re looking for an even heartier base, replace half of the ground beef with lean turkey. This change doesn’t compromise taste and adds a lighter, guilt-free protein punch. Either way, your meatloaf will not only satisfy your appetite but also meet your dietary goals.
Low-Carb Deliciousness: A Keto-Friendly Stuffed Meatloaf
For the health-conscious keen on limiting carbs, the Italian stuffed meatloaf can still be on your dinner table! Replace the breadcrumbs with almond flour to lower the carb count but retain the moist texture of the loaf. Ensure your stuffing focuses heavily on low-carb veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Olives are an excellent addition for a briny flavor, and adding some grated cheese directly into the meat blend instead of just being a stuffing enhances the dish without the carbs. Consider serving it with cauliflower mash instead of potatoes for an indulgent meal that doesn’t break the carb bank.
Storage Instructions
If you’ve cooked up more meatloaf than you can handle, no worry! Let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in foil or placing it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the meatloaf and freeze the individual portions. Thaw in the fridge before reheating in the oven to maintain its delicious texture.
FAQs
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for beef to create a lighter version of this dish.
- What can I use instead of breadcrumbs? Almond flour or crushed pork rinds make excellent low-carb alternatives to breadcrumbs.
- How do I know when the meatloaf is done? Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 160°F (71°C) internally for perfect doneness.
- Can I add vegetables to the stuffing? Absolutely! Consider adding spinach, olives, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- How long can I store leftovers in the fridge? Leftover meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts on Your Italian Meatloaf Adventure
This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Filled with the warmth of Italian flavors, it’s a dish that brings people together. Whether served for a family dinner, a festive gathering, or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a surefire winner. Don’t keep this culinary gem a secret! Share your success by leaving a comment, sharing pictures, or inspiring others to try their hands at this remarkable dish.
Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ground beef
- Italian sausage
- breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- onion
- garlic
- dried oregano
- dried basil
- salt
- black pepper
- eggs
- milk
- mozzarella cheese
- sun-dried tomatoes
- fresh basil leaves
Instructions
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare your baking sheet or loaf pan by greasing it lightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, onions, and garlic.
- Add oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the mixture, followed by beaten eggs and milk. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Lay out the meat mixture on a flat surface, shaping it into a rectangle. Lay the mozzarella cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil in the center.
- Gently roll the meat around the stuffing, sealing the edges completely to form a loaf shape.
- Transfer the meatloaf onto your prepared baking sheet or loaf pan, and place it in the oven. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist result.