Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that has graced dinner tables for generations. However, a stuffed meatloaf recipe takes this beloved dish to a whole new level. By adding a savory filling inside, you can elevate the flavors and create an impressive, crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you’re stuffing it with cheese, vegetables, or even mashed potatoes, this stuffed meatloaf is sure to become a family favorite.
Why Stuffed Meatloaf?
Traditional meatloaf is hearty, but a stuffed version adds extra layers of flavor and texture. Imagine slicing into a juicy meatloaf to reveal a molten center of melted cheese, sautéed vegetables, or even bacon! The possibilities are endless, and each variation offers something special. This stuffed meatloaf recipe strikes the perfect balance between comfort and creativity, turning a simple dish into a show-stopping main course.
Ingredients for Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe
Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather the ingredients needed for a delicious stuffed meatloaf:
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 lbs ground beef (or a mixture of ground beef and pork)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
For the Stuffing:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sautéed spinach (optional)
- 4-5 slices cooked bacon (optional)
- 1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms (optional)
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp mustard
Instructions for Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe
Let’s get started on making this flavorful, cheesy stuffed meatloaf recipe.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Filling
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- If you’re using sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bacon as part of the stuffing, prepare those first by cooking and setting them aside.
- In a small bowl, mix the shredded cheese with the sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bacon (optional). Set the filling aside.
Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or beef and pork mix), breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, milk, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Mix everything together using your hands or a spatula until well combined but not overworked. Overmixing can make the meatloaf tough.
Step 3: Assemble the Stuffed Meatloaf
- On a sheet of parchment paper or a clean work surface, flatten the meatloaf mixture into a large rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
- Spoon the cheese filling (and any other desired fillings) down the center of the meat rectangle, leaving some space around the edges.
- Carefully fold the sides of the meatloaf over the filling, pinching the edges together to seal. You should now have a loaf with the filling securely tucked inside.
Step 4: Transfer and Shape the Meatloaf
- Carefully transfer the stuffed meatloaf to a greased baking dish or loaf pan. You may want to use the parchment paper to help lift it.
- Shape the loaf to ensure it’s evenly packed and sealed to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking.
Step 5: Prepare the Glaze
- In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard for the glaze.
- Brush the glaze over the top of the meatloaf, covering it generously for a sweet and tangy finish.
Step 6: Bake the Stuffed Meatloaf
- Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- For a crispier glaze, you can broil the meatloaf for the last 5 minutes of baking.
Step 7: Let it Rest and Serve
- Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes it easier to slice.
- Serve slices of the stuffed meatloaf with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or your favorite side dishes.
Variations for Stuffed Meatloaf
There are endless ways to customize this stuffed meatloaf recipe depending on your preferences. Here are a few popular variations:
- Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf: Mozzarella, cheddar, or even blue cheese can add a gooey, indulgent center to the meatloaf.
- Vegetable-Stuffed Meatloaf: Add spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or even caramelized onions for a more wholesome option.
- Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Meatloaf: For an extra layer of flavor, wrap the entire meatloaf in strips of bacon before baking. The bacon crisps up beautifully while infusing the meat with smoky goodness.
- Italian-Style Stuffed Meatloaf: Mix in Italian sausage with the ground beef, and stuff the meatloaf with ricotta and spinach for an Italian-inspired dish.
- Mashed Potato Stuffed Meatloaf: For a hearty twist, stuff the meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes—comfort food at its finest.
Tips for the Perfect Stuffed Meatloaf
- Seal it well: Make sure to pinch the edges of the meatloaf tightly after adding the filling to prevent any leaks during baking.
- Don’t overmix: When combining the ingredients for the meatloaf, be careful not to overwork the mixture. This can lead to a dense, tough loaf.
- Let it rest: Allow the meatloaf to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking. This helps it hold together better when slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Stuffed meatloaf is already a satisfying dish on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal:
- Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing, creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up any extra glaze or juices from the meatloaf.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve the stuffed meatloaf with a side of roasted carrots, brussels sprouts, or green beans for a wholesome and balanced meal.
- Dinner Rolls: Warm, buttery dinner rolls complement the richness of the meatloaf perfectly.
- Garden Salad: A light, fresh salad provides a nice contrast to the heartiness of the meatloaf.
Conclusion
This stuffed meatloaf recipe offers a delicious twist on the classic dish, combining juicy ground beef with a flavorful filling that can be customized to your liking. Whether you opt for cheesy, veggie-packed, or bacon-filled stuffing, this recipe is guaranteed to impress at your next family dinner or special occasion. It’s a comfort food favorite with an exciting upgrade!