There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a classic meatloaf baking in the oven, but this Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf takes comfort food to a whole new level. Juicy, tender meatloaf encases a molten core of gooey, melted mozzarella cheese, making each bite a delightful surprise.
I first tried this recipe on a chilly weekend when my family was craving something hearty and indulgent. The result? Clean plates all around and requests for it to become a regular in our dinner rotation. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this show-stopping dish.
Why You'll Love This Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf
Get ready to discover your new go-to comfort food recipe. This mozzarella-stuffed meatloaf is perfect for weeknight dinners or as the centerpiece of a family gathering.
First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. Even if you’re new to making meatloaf, this recipe walks you through the process with ease, yielding flawless results every time.
It’s also packed with flavor. The combination of seasoned ground beef, breadcrumbs, and herbs creates a savory base, while the melted mozzarella in the center adds a creamy, cheesy twist.
Finally, it’s a great make-ahead option. You can assemble the meatloaf in advance, refrigerate it, and pop it in the oven when you’re ready. Perfect for busy schedules or planning a stress-free dinner.
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing, this mozzarella-stuffed meatloaf is just what you need. Now let’s break down the ingredients that make this dish so special.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this recipe lies in its carefully selected ingredients, each contributing to its rich flavor and perfect texture.
- Ground Beef: For the best results, use an 80/20 blend of ground beef. The slightly higher fat content keeps the meatloaf juicy and flavorful.
- Breadcrumbs: These act as the binder, helping the meatloaf hold its shape while adding a tender texture. You can use plain breadcrumbs or Italian-seasoned ones for extra flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese: The star of the show! Opt for whole milk mozzarella, either in a block or pre-cut sticks. It melts beautifully and creates that irresistible gooey center.
- Eggs: These are essential for binding the mixture together, ensuring a cohesive loaf.
- Seasonings: A mix of garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt adds depth to the meatloaf. Feel free to adjust these to suit your taste.
- Ketchup and Brown Sugar: A classic glaze made from these two ingredients gives the meatloaf its signature sweet-and-savory topping.
You won’t need any special equipment for this recipe—just a loaf pan and a mixing bowl. Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s get to the fun part: putting it all together.
How To Make This Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf

Crafting this mozzarella-stuffed meatloaf is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for a perfect dish every time.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While the oven heats up, prepare your loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Use clean hands to mix everything until just combined—overmixing can make the meatloaf tough.
Take half of the meat mixture and press it into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan, shaping it into an even layer. Create a shallow groove in the center of the meat for the mozzarella.
Place the mozzarella cheese in the groove, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Then, cover with the remaining meat mixture, pressing gently to seal the edges so no cheese escapes during baking.
In a small bowl, mix together ketchup and brown sugar. Spread this glaze over the top of the meatloaf for a glossy, flavorful finish.
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
The result? A perfectly moist meatloaf with a luscious, cheesy core that’s sure to wow everyone at the table.
Storage Options
Leftovers of this mozzarella-stuffed meatloaf are just as delicious the next day—if not better! Here’s how to store and reheat them.
For short-term storage, transfer the meatloaf to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. If you plan to keep it longer, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. The meatloaf can be frozen for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw frozen slices in the refrigerator overnight. Warm them in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
This recipe is perfect for meal prep, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of this meatloaf is its versatility. Here are some ways to customize it to your liking:
- Cheese Variations: Swap the mozzarella for cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Protein Options: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Herbs and Spices: Experiment with fresh parsley, oregano, or basil to add an herby kick.
- Glaze Alternatives: Substitute the ketchup and brown sugar glaze with barbecue sauce or a mix of tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce for a tangy twist.
- Stuffing Ideas: Add sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers along with the mozzarella for an extra layer of flavor.
Feel free to get creative and tailor this recipe to suit your family’s preferences. No matter how you make it, this mozzarella-stuffed meatloaf is guaranteed to be a hit. Happy cooking!
PrintMozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe
This mozzarella-stuffed meatloaf recipe is a cheesy and flavorful twist on the classic meatloaf. Made with ground beef, Italian seasonings, and stuffed with gooey mozzarella, it’s the perfect comfort food for any dinner table. Serve this delicious dish with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a satisfying family meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)
- ¼ cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, ketchup, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- On a piece of parchment paper, flatten the meat mixture into a rectangular shape.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the center of the meat rectangle.
- Roll the meat mixture tightly, sealing the edges to enclose the cheese. Transfer the loaf to a greased baking dish.
- Brush the top with additional ketchup for extra flavor.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar or your favorite cheese for a different flavor.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
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