Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food, combining the hearty, savory flavors of classic meatloaf with a gooey, melty mozzarella center. This dish elevates a traditional favorite into a visually impressive and flavor-packed meal. Each slice reveals a molten ribbon of mozzarella cheese, perfectly complemented by the seasoned ground meat, aromatic vegetables, and a rich glaze or seasoning on top.

What I love most about this recipe is the juicy, tender meat surrounding the creamy mozzarella, creating a perfect balance of textures. It’s a dish that brings warmth, satisfaction, and a bit of excitement to any dinner table.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it turns ordinary meatloaf into something extraordinary. The mozzarella filling adds a creamy, gooey surprise inside the savory meat, making it fun to slice and even more delicious to eat.

The meat stays tender, the exterior slightly caramelized, and the cheese provides a rich, indulgent touch that everyone will love. It’s comfort food at its finest!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Gooey mozzarella center makes each slice irresistible.
• Moist and flavorful meatloaf with a savory blend of seasonings.
• Pairs beautifully with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
• Straightforward and easy to prepare, yet impressive for dinner guests.
• Great for family meals, meal prep, or special occasions.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 55–65 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Calories per Serving: ~400–450 kcal
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef, pork, and veal)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup finely diced onion
• 1/2 cup grated carrot (optional for extra moisture)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

For the Mozzarella Filling

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or small mozzarella sticks)

For the Glaze (Optional)

• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Directions (Quick Overview)

1. Preheat oven and prepare a loaf pan.
2. Mix meatloaf ingredients and shape half into a base.
3. Layer mozzarella cheese in the center.
4. Cover with remaining meat mixture and smooth the top.
5. Brush with glaze if using.
6. Bake until meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C).
7. Rest, slice, and serve.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat Oven

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare Meatloaf Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, diced onion, grated carrot, garlic, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Mix gently until ingredients are just combined — do not overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.

Step 3: Assemble Meatloaf

1. Divide the meat mixture into two portions.
2. Press one portion into the bottom of the loaf pan to form a base.
3. Layer shredded mozzarella evenly over the base, leaving a 1/2-inch border from the edges.
4. Cover with the second portion of meat mixture and smooth the top.

Step 4: Apply Glaze (Optional)

1. In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard.
2. Brush the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 55–65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
2. If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil.

Step 6: Rest and Slice

1. Remove meatloaf from oven and let rest for 10 minutes.
2. Slice carefully to reveal the melted mozzarella center.

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How to Serve

• Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
• Drizzle pan juices or extra glaze over slices for added flavor.
• Works well as leftovers for lunch or reheated dinner portions.

Recipe Tips

• Do not overmix meat — this keeps the meatloaf tender.
• Seal the mozzarella well to prevent it from leaking during baking.
• Resting the meatloaf ensures slices hold their shape.
• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
• Add vegetables like carrots or zucchini for moisture and extra nutrition.

Variations

1. Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
2. Bacon-Wrapped: Wrap the loaf in bacon for extra flavor and crispiness.
3. Italian Style: Add Italian herbs to the meat and substitute mozzarella with provolone or a mix.
4. BBQ Glaze: Replace ketchup glaze with BBQ sauce.
5. Turkey or Chicken Meatloaf: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, keeping the mozzarella center.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store cooked meatloaf in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or microwave slices until heated through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Loaf pan or baking sheet
• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl for glaze
• Spatula or spoon for assembling
• Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
• Grater for cheese and vegetables

Conclusion

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf is a comforting, indulgent, and crowd-pleasing dish that elevates classic meatloaf with a creamy, gooey cheese center. Tender, flavorful meat combined with melty mozzarella creates a dish that’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prep.

The combination of savory meat, cheesy center, and optional glaze ensures a balanced and satisfying meal. Every slice offers a delicious surprise, making this recipe a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, comforting meals.

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food, combining the hearty, savory flavors of classic meatloaf with a gooey, melty mozzarella center.

Author: Stella Parker Cuisine: American Course: Meat

Print Recipe

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Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 55 mins Total Time 1 hr 15 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 8

Ingredients

Servings

For the Meatloaf

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef, pork, and veal)
• ¹⁄₂ cup breadcrumbs
• ¹⁄₂ cup finely diced onion
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated carrot (optional for extra moisture)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¹⁄₄ cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

For the Mozzarella Filling

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or small mozzarella sticks)

For the Glaze (Optional)

• ¹⁄₃ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat Oven : Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Prepare Meatloaf Mixture : In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, diced onion, grated carrot, garlic, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently until ingredients are just combined — do not overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
3. Step 3: Assemble Meatloaf : Divide the meat mixture into two portions. Press one portion into the bottom of the loaf pan to form a base. Layer shredded mozzarella evenly over the base, leaving a 1/2-inch border from the edges. Cover with the second portion of meat mixture and smooth the top.
4. Step 4: Apply Glaze (Optional) : In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Brush the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
5. Step 5: Bake : Bake in the preheated oven for 55–65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil.
6. Step 6: Rest and Slice : Remove meatloaf from oven and let rest for 10 minutes. Slice carefully to reveal the melted mozzarella center.

Keywords: Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf