Stuffed Meatloaf

By FoodfaithfitnessAug 12, 2024Jump to Recipe

Stuffed Meatloaf takes a dinner staple to new heights. The surprise cheese filling will make everyone smile.

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I remember growing up and eating meatloaf as a child. My mother stuffed it with a hard-boiled egg. Somehow, I didn’t find that exciting – although it did look pretty. That would have been an entirely different situation if she had stuffed some gooey mozzarella cheese inside. I could definitely see myself going back for more. After all, cheese-stuffed meatloaf is not much different from a cheeseburger.

For some reason that I cannot fathom, many kids turn their noses up at meatloaf yet love burgers and meatballs. I was one of them. I think it’s all about the presentation, which is why this recipe works so well to unite the family behind meatloaf. As an adult, I enjoy a nice slice of this flavorful meat.

Rule number one (in my opinion) is that your meatloaf HAS to be covered in a sauce. Not only does that prevent the top from drying out, but it adds immense flavor to the meat. The sauce you use and the seasonings you put inside your meatloaf can change, with each switch adding new complexity to the dish, such as in this Italian Meatloaf recipe.

Is Stuffed Meatloaf Healthy?

The ingredients you add to your meatloaf can affect the health factor of the dish. You find finely chopped vegetables in our recipe, which provide added vitamins. The cheese and milk increase the calcium content in the meatloaf, and ground beef provides iron, B vitamins, selenium, and protein. You can increase the healthfulness of this dish by adding more finely chopped vegetables to the meat mixture, such as mushrooms and spinach. Since some people choose to use ground turkey to reduce their red beef intake, we have a fantastic Turkey Meatloaf recipe here that is easy to prepare and delicious.

How to Make Individual Stuffed Meatloaves for a Party

I know what you’re thinking. Who would serve meatloaf for a party? Why not when you have a version as exciting and delicious as this one? Now, I’m not talking about an elegant dinner party. But let’s say you are having the gang over to watch the big game on TV, or you want to surprise your family with individual meatloaves. If you plan to have leftovers, the cheese inside can ooze out during reheating. But if you make individual stuffed meatloaves, that won’t happen.

You can use mini loaf pans, ramekins, or muffin tins and fill them halfway with the meat mixture. Place the cheese as directed, top with the remaining meat, and continue with the recipe. Then, when you go to serve them, you can decorate the plate around them with veggies and other side dishes.

INGREDIENTS

2 pounds ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
1/3 cup milk
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, sliced
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep

Preheat oven, and mix meatloaf ingredients.

Assemble

Shape meatloaf, add cheese, and top with sauce.

Bake

Cook, add more sauce, and finish baking.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

Stuffed meatloaf is one of those recipes that gets better with age. Making it a day ahead of serving is ideal, as the flavors have a chance to set in. You can also prepare the meatloaf and put it in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. That can help it stay together better while cooking.

Cooked meatloaf will last up to 3 days in the fridge in an airtight container. You can also keep it in the freezer – wrap and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just place it in the refrigerator to thaw overnight before reheating.

How Do I Keep My Meatloaf Moist and Juicy?

While the answer that comes to mind first is to avoid overcooking it, the secret lies in the mixing. Remember that you are not kneading bread. Mix the ingredients gently to incorporate them without overmixing. Also, avoid using lean ground beef – anything 90% lean or higher. That will produce a drier meatloaf. Finally, let the meatloaf sit for 10 minutes before slicing to prevent the juices from running out and giving them time to soak into the meat.

Can I Make Gluten-Free Stuffed Meatloaf?

Yes, you can swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs. I have also used almond flour in place of breadcrumbs with good results. Make sure you use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce or substitute tamari or coconut aminos in its place.

Serving Suggestions

Stuffed meatloaf goes well with anything you want to serve alongside it. Since sweet potatoes are one of my favorite vegetables, I recommend this Sweet Potato Salad, which can be served warm or cold. Another good side dish for your meatloaf is Grilled Zucchini. It’s quick and easy to prepare, yet so tasty. A light and perfect dessert any time of year is Strawberry Cobbler, although you can substitute any fruit in season.

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