This meatloaf is not just ordinary; it hides a delicious surprise! Inside, you’ll find gooey mozzarella that melts perfectly as it cooks, making every slice extra special.
Honestly, who can resist melted cheese? I love serving this with mashed potatoes for a classic meal that feels cozy and satisfying. It always brings smiles to the dinner table! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the base of our meatloaf and offers great flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken. They cook a bit faster, so adjust cooking time accordingly!
Ground Pork: Adding pork brings extra fat and flavor to the meatloaf. If you prefer not to use pork, you can stick with all beef or use turkey sausage for a similar taste.
Breadcrumbs: Traditional breadcrumbs help bind everything together. If gluten is a concern, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed oats as a substitute.
Milk: Whole milk keeps the mixture moist, but you can switch to almond or oat milk if you want a dairy-free version.
Fresh Mozzarella: This cheese melts beautifully inside the meatloaf. If you can’t find fresh mozzarella, shredded mozzarella or even provolone works well too. Just keep in mind the flavor will change a bit!
Ketchup: Ketchup adds sweetness and tang. You can substitute with BBQ sauce or cranberry sauce for a different twist, which adds a lovely depth of flavor.
How Do I Prevent My Meatloaf from Falling Apart?
Keeping your meatloaf intact is crucial! Here’s how to ensure it stays solid and delicious:
- Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf.
- Chill the Mixture: If you have time, refrigerate the meat mixture for about 30 minutes before shaping. This helps it firm up.
- Use a Loaf Pan: This helps maintain shape as it bakes. If you don’t have one, you can shape it by hand on a baking sheet.
- Rest is Key: Let the meatloaf rest after baking. This allows the juices to settle and makes slicing easier without crumbling.
With these tips and ingredient insights, you’ll be ready to make a delicious and well-shaped mozzarella-stuffed meatloaf! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatloaf
Ingredients you’ll Need:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork (optional for more flavor and fat)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2 inch thick slices or a log shape for stuffing
For the Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups ketchup (divided)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and around 1 hour and 10 minutes for baking, including the resting time. Overall, you’ll spend about 1 hour and 25 minutes to enjoy this delicious mozzarella-stuffed meatloaf!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your loaf pan by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Soak the Breadcrumbs:
In a small bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in the milk until they absorb it, which takes about 5 minutes. This helps keep the meatloaf moist as it cooks.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork (if you’re using it), soaked breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, eggs, parsley, salt, pepper, oregano, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything gently but thoroughly until just combined—don’t overmix!
4. Add the First Layer:
Spread half of the meat mixture evenly into the loaf pan, pressing gently to form a compact and even layer.
5. Add the Cheesey Surprise:
Now, place the mozzarella slices or log directly on top of the meat layer, ensuring there’s a little space along the edges to prevent overflow.
6. Seal It Up:
Cover the cheese layer with the remaining meat mixture, pressing it down gently to seal and enclose the cheese for that gooey goodness!
7. Prepare the Glaze:
In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until blended well. This will be your tasty glaze!
8. Apply the Glaze:
Spread half of the ketchup glaze evenly over the top of your meatloaf. This adds flavor and a nice finish!
9. Bake the Meatloaf:
Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake uncovered for about 50 minutes.
10. Finish Baking:
Once baked, take it out of the oven, spread the remaining ketchup glaze over the top, and return it to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
11. Let It Rest:
After baking, let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes. This helps it hold together when you slice it and keeps that melted cheese from spilling out too much.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with chopped parsley if you like, and serve your meatloaf warm! It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a fresh salad.
Enjoy the gooey mozzarella surprise inside this hearty and savory meatloaf! It’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table.
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While fresh mozzarella is fantastic, you can also use shredded Monterey Jack, cheddar, or even provolone for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful that each cheese has different melt qualities!
Can I Make This Meatloaf Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. You can also use finely crushed oats as a substitute for a bind that works well in gluten-free cooking.
How Can I Store Leftover Meatloaf?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice the meatloaf and warm it in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to maintain moisture.
Can I Freeze This Meatloaf?
Yes! After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It should keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.