This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf Cooktune Easy Recipe is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights and cozy family dinners. Juicy ground beef is stuffed with mozzarella, spinach, and herbs, then baked to golden perfection and finished with rich marinara sauce. It’s flavorful, hearty, and guaranteed to impress your cooking friends.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- Italian-inspired comfort: Savory meatloaf packed with classic Italian flavors.
- Easy to make: Simple prep steps with everyday ingredients.
- Family favorite: Everyone loves the gooey cheese center.
- Versatile: Great with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a green salad.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb ground beef (80/20 lean)
- ½ lb Italian sausage, mild or spicy
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce, divided
Looking for another comforting dinner? Try this Easy 10-Minute Meatloaf or pair this Italian version with a light Cucumber Carrot Salad for a refreshing side.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, milk, Italian seasoning, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
- Spread the meat mixture onto a piece of parchment paper, forming a large rectangle about ½ inch thick.
- Layer the mozzarella cheese and spinach evenly in the center, leaving 1 inch of space around the edges.
- Carefully roll the meatloaf into a log, using the parchment paper to help shape it. Seal the edges and place it seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce on top of the loaf.
- Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Top with the remaining marinara sauce and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
Tips & Variations
- Add more cheese: Mix ricotta or provolone for a creamier filling.
- Go spicy: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes for extra kick.
- Healthier version: Swap half of the beef for ground turkey or chicken.
- Make ahead: Assemble the loaf, cover, and refrigerate overnight before baking.
Substitutions
- Use panko crumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for lighter texture.
- Swap mozzarella with smoked provolone for deeper flavor.
- Replace marinara with Thai Peanut Sauce for a fusion twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with a side of Italian Pasta Salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal. For a comforting Italian dinner, add garlic bread and a drizzle of olive oil. This dish also pairs beautifully with a bold red wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 15 minutes. You can also freeze the whole loaf—wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this meatloaf without sausage?
Yes! You can use only ground beef or replace sausage with ground pork or turkey for a lighter version.
What’s the best cheese for stuffing?
Mozzarella melts beautifully, but you can mix it with provolone or ricotta for extra creaminess.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely. Try chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for more flavor and texture.
More to Try
- Best Meatloaf Recipe Ever
- Simple and Delicious Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Creamy Ground Beef Skillet
- Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
- Roasted Delicata Squash
Conclusion
This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf Cooktune Easy Recipe is the perfect way to elevate classic meatloaf into something extraordinary. With melted cheese, herbs, and marinara sauce, every bite bursts with Italian flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is to love—ideal for weeknights, holidays, or any time you crave a comforting, hearty meal.
Print
Stuffed Italian Meatloaf Cooktune Easy Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf Cooktune Easy Recipe is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights and cozy family dinners. Juicy ground beef is stuffed with mozzarella, spinach, and herbs, then baked to golden perfection and finished with rich marinara sauce. It’s flavorful, hearty, and guaranteed to impress your cooking friends.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb ground beef (80/20 lean)
- ½ lb Italian sausage, mild or spicy
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, milk, Italian seasoning, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
- Spread the meat mixture onto a piece of parchment paper, forming a large rectangle about ½ inch thick.
- Layer the mozzarella cheese and spinach evenly in the center, leaving 1 inch of space around the edges.
- Carefully roll the meatloaf into a log, using the parchment paper to help shape it. Seal the edges and place it seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce on top of the loaf.
- Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Top with the remaining marinara sauce and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Add ricotta or provolone to the filling for creaminess. Try hot Italian sausage or red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. Swap some beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Make it ahead and refrigerate overnight before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: stuffed meatloaf, Italian meatloaf, cheesy meatloaf, comfort food