Italian Meatloaf With Mozzarella: A Slice Of Heaven
Take your taste buds on a trip to Tuscany with this incredible Italian Meatloaf with Mozzarella. This isn't your average meatloaf; it’s stuffed with gooey, melted cheese and infused with classic Italian herbs like basil and oregano. Topped with a rich marinara sauce, it’s like a giant meatball in loaf form. It’s cozy, hearty, and sophisticated enough for a Sunday dinner with guests. Serve it with a side of pasta and get ready for the rave reviews.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and Italian sausage)
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1.5 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, eggs, parsley, oregano, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- On a sheet of parchment paper, flatten half of the meat mixture into a rectangle (about 1 inch thick).
- Place a layer of mozzarella slices down the center of the meat, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides.
- Place the remaining meat mixture on top and press the edges to seal the cheese inside.
- Carefully transfer the loaf to a baking dish.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the top of the loaf.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Garnish with extra fresh basil and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Tips & Chef's Notes
- Cheese Sealing: Make sure you pinch the seams of the meatloaf well so the cheese doesn't ooze out during baking.
- Sausage Swap: For a flavor explosion, replace 1/2 lb of the ground beef with spicy or sweet Italian sausage.
- Sauce Choice: Use a high-quality jarred marinara or homemade sauce for the best flavor.
This Italian Meatloaf is pure comfort with a gourmet twist. The combination of savory meat, fragrant herbs, and melted cheese is simply divine. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious meal with your family. Buon appetito!

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