If you’re craving a comforting meal that perfectly balances hearty flavors with a melty surprise inside, then you’ve just found your new favorite: Stuffed Meatloaf with Mozzarella. This dish takes the classic meatloaf to the next level by enveloping a gooey mozzarella center that stretches with every slice. The savory blend of ground meat, spices, and rich cheese creates a beautiful harmony on your plate, making every bite a truly satisfying experience. Whether for a family dinner or meal prep, this recipe is straightforward, impressive, and sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Goodness Inside: The mozzarella melts perfectly within, creating an irresistible core of gooey cheese that enhances every bite.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You don’t need fancy or hard-to-find ingredients to make this dish shine, making it accessible for any home cook.
Comfort Food with a Twist: Classic meatloaf meets an exciting surprise — the stuffed cheese gives it a modern upgrade without complicating things.
Great for Any Meal: Perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or meal prepping since it reheats beautifully and keeps its delicious texture.
Customizable and Friendly: Easy to adapt if you want to add veggies or swap meats, accommodating different tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting a perfect Stuffed Meatloaf with Mozzarella starts with a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine to deliver incredible taste, tender texture, and a beautiful presentation. Each item plays an important role, from binding the loaf to adding moisture and flavor layers.

Ground Beef (or mix): Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and tenderness; mixing in ground pork can add extra juiciness.
Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella balls or pre-shredded mozzarella for that irresistible melty center.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meat and soak up moisture, keeping the loaf firm but tender.
Eggs: Act as a natural binder to hold everything together seamlessly.
Onion: Finely chopped to add natural sweetness and moisture without overpowering.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic for a punch of savory depth.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami richness that complements the beef and cheese perfectly.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme gives the meatloaf a comforting, savory aroma.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors.
Ketchup or Tomato Sauce: Optional topping to add a slightly sweet glaze and keep the loaf moist.

Variations for Stuffed Meatloaf with Mozzarella

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, making it easy to personalize your stuffed meatloaf with mozzarella based on what you have in the fridge or your dietary preferences. Try out these variations to keep each meal exciting and tailored to your taste buds.

Spinach and Mozzarella: Add cooked, drained spinach inside the cheese for a nutritious and color-rich surprise.
Spicy Kick: Mix in chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for those who love a little heat.
Turkey or Chicken: Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option with just as much flavor.
Veggie Boost: Incorporate finely diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini right into the meat mixture.
BBQ Style: Use BBQ sauce instead of ketchup on top for a smoky, tangy glaze that complements the mozzarella beautifully.

How to Make Stuffed Meatloaf with Mozzarella

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture

Start by combining your ground meat, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix everything gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed without overworking the meat, which can toughen the loaf.

Step 2: Shape the Base Layer

Lay a sheet of parchment paper or lightly greased foil on your work surface. Spread half of the meat mixture into a rectangular shape, about 1 inch thick and roughly the size of your baking pan. Make sure the layer is even to hold the cheese filling properly.

Step 3: Add the Mozzarella Filling

Place mozzarella pieces evenly over the base meat layer, leaving a small border around the edges so the cheese doesn’t ooze out during baking. This is the gooey heart of your stuffed meatloaf!

Step 4: Top with Remaining Meat

Carefully spread the remaining meat mixture on top of the cheese, sealing the edges by gently pressing them together to encase the mozzarella. This ensures that the cheese stays inside as it bakes and gives a neat loaf shape.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the loaf to a baking sheet or use the same parchment paper to lift into a loaf pan. Optionally brush ketchup or tomato sauce over the top for a glossy, flavorful finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Step 6: Rest and Slice

Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after baking so juices redistribute and the cheese sets slightly. Then slice carefully to reveal the molten mozzarella core, serving wedge after cheesy wedge with pride.

Pro Tips for Making Stuffed Meatloaf with Mozzarella

Don’t Overmix: Handle the meat mixture gently to keep the loaf tender and not dense.
Seal the Edges Well: Make sure the cheese is fully wrapped to avoid leaks during baking.
Use Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella melts smoother and offers better texture than pre-shredded in this recipe.
Temperature Matters: Cook until the meat is done but don’t overbake, or the loaf may dry out.
Resting is Key: Let your meatloaf sit before slicing to retain juices and warm molten cheese.

How to Serve Stuffed Meatloaf with Mozzarella

Garnishes

Top your sliced meatloaf with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and fresh herbal aroma that complements the savory meat and cheese perfectly.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad that balances the richness of the meatloaf.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve slices open-faced to showcase the cheesy center, or cut into sliders using small rolls for a fun twist to family dinners or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover stuffed meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This helps preserve moisture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked meatloaf in portions or whole. Wrap in foil and place in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and taste.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, or microwave slices covered with a damp paper towel to keep moisture intact.

FAQs

Can I use other cheeses instead of mozzarella?

Absolutely! Cheeses that melt well like provolone, cheddar, or Monterey Jack can be used, but mozzarella’s mild flavor and melting quality makes it ideal for this recipe.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep the meatloaf safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.

How can I tell when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should read 160°F (71°C) to ensure the meat is cooked safely without drying out.

Can I prepare the meatloaf in advance?

You can assemble the meatloaf a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator, then bake fresh when you’re ready, which helps the flavors meld wonderfully.

What’s the best way to prevent cheese from leaking out?

Make sure to leave a border when layering the cheese and tightly seal all edges by pressing the meat together firmly before baking.

Final Thoughts

Stuffed Meatloaf with Mozzarella is a delightful upgrade to the classic recipe that brings a wonderful blend of hearty and cheesy to your dining table. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights but special enough to impress guests or family alike. Go ahead, try out this recipe, and enjoy every gooey, flavorful bite as you share a meal that feels like a warm hug in food form.

Stuffed Meatloaf with Mozzarella

Print Recipe

Stuffed Meatloaf with Mozzarella is a comforting and flavorful twist on the classic meatloaf, featuring a gooey mozzarella cheese center that melts beautifully with every slice. Made with simple, accessible ingredients and customizable options, this recipe delivers hearty, savory goodness perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions. The blend of ground meat, herbs, and melted cheese creates a satisfying, delicious meal that everyone will love.

Author: Kathy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10-15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free breadcrumb substitution)

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb 80/20 ground beef (or mix with ground pork for juiciness)
4 oz fresh mozzarella balls or 1 cup pre-shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option)
2 large eggs
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Toppings

1/4 cup ketchup or tomato sauce (or BBQ sauce for variation)

Instructions

Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients without overworking the meat to keep the loaf tender.
Shape the Base Layer: On a sheet of parchment paper or lightly greased foil, spread half of the meat mixture into a rectangular shape about 1 inch thick and roughly the size of your baking pan, ensuring an even layer to hold the cheese filling properly.
Add the Mozzarella Filling: Evenly place mozzarella pieces over the base meat layer, leaving a small border at the edges to prevent the cheese from oozing out during baking.
Top with Remaining Meat: Spread the remaining meat mixture carefully over the cheese, pressing the edges gently together to fully encase the mozzarella, sealing the loaf well.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the loaf to a baking sheet or loaf pan. Optionally, brush ketchup or tomato sauce (or BBQ sauce) over the top for a glossy finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Rest and Slice: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute and the cheese to set slightly. Slice carefully and serve, revealing the molten mozzarella center.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
Seal the edges tightly to avoid cheese leakage during baking.
Use fresh mozzarella for smoother melting and better texture.
Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) to ensure safety.
Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to retain moisture and keep cheese molten.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/6 of loaf)
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 500 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: stuffed meatloaf, mozzarella meatloaf, cheesy meatloaf, comfort food, easy dinner, meal prep