Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

Imagine a warm, hearty meal that brings comfort and joy to your dining table. Stuffed Italian Meatloaf does just that! This recipe combines the classic flavors of Italy with the love of a home-cooked meal. It’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Why Make This Recipe

Why choose Stuffed Italian Meatloaf? Here are a few reasons:

• Flavorful: The combination of beef, cheese, and fresh greens offers a burst of taste in every bite.
• Fun to Prepare: Rolling the meatloaf is a unique way to get the kids involved in cooking!
• Versatile: You can add your favorite vegetables or change the cheese. Make it your own!

How to Make Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons bread crumbs
• 1-2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (minced)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1-2 dashes black or white pepper
• 3-4 tablespoons milk (I used 3 tablespoons)
• 9 slices cheese (fontina, Gruyere, firm mozzarella, or scamorza) or 1 – 1 ½ cups shredded
• 1-2 cups greens (arugula, spinach, kale, or dandelion greens) chopped
• 5 medium potatoes
• 2-3 large carrots
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• ½-1 teaspoon chopped rosemary
• ½ teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
• 3-4 tablespoons olive oil

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) loaf pan or a large baking dish if making potatoes and carrots too.
2. In a large mixing bowl, gently mix the beef, egg, parmesan, bread crumbs, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to over mix.
3. Slowly add the milk until you form a compact meat mixture.
4. On a large sheet of parchment paper, pat the mixture into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Top it with cheese slices or shredded cheese and the chopped greens.
5. Using the parchment paper, roll the meatloaf up starting at the short end. A spatula can help with rolling.
6. Place the loaf in the prepared pan. If making potatoes and carrots, add them now.
7. Bake for approximately 45-60 minutes in the preheated oven. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

For the Potatoes:

In a large bowl, toss the cubed potatoes and carrots with spices and olive oil.

How to Serve Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

Serve your Stuffed Italian Meatloaf sliced, alongside the roasted potatoes and carrots. A light salad can be a refreshing addition. You can also drizzle some extra olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top to enhance flavors further.

How to Store Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place slices in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices. They are great for quick meals!

Tips to Make Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

• Don’t over mix: This keeps the meatloaf tender.
• Use parchment paper: It helps in rolling and lifting the meatloaf easily.

Variations

Feel free to switch up the greens or cheese according to your taste! You can also add spices like crushed red pepper for a bit of heat or even include mushrooms for an earthy flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative.

2. How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
Use a meat thermometer; it should read 160°F (70°C) for safety.

3. What sides go well with Stuffed Italian Meatloaf?
A light salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables pair nicely!

Now, gather your ingredients and enjoy making this delicious Stuffed Italian Meatloaf. It might just become your new favorite family meal!

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

A delicious blend of beef, cheese, and fresh greens rolled into a hearty meatloaf, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 410

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Meatloaf

• 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons bread crumbs
• 1-2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (minced)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1-2 dashes black or white pepper
• 3-4 tablespoons milk (used 3 tablespoons)
• 9 slices cheese (fontina, Gruyere, firm mozzarella, or scamorza) or 1 – 1 ½ cups shredded
• 1-2 cups greens (arugula, spinach, kale, or dandelion greens, chopped)

For the Sides

• 5 medium potatoes cubed
• 2-3 large carrots cubed
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• ½-1 teaspoon chopped rosemary
• ½ teaspoon salt or more to taste
• 3-4 tablespoons olive oil

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) loaf pan or a large baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, gently mix the beef, egg, parmesan, bread crumbs, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to over mix.
3. Slowly add the milk until you form a compact meat mixture.
4. On a large sheet of parchment paper, pat the mixture into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Top it with cheese slices or shredded cheese and the chopped greens.
5. Using the parchment paper, roll the meatloaf up starting at the short end. A spatula can help with rolling.
6. Place the loaf in the prepared pan. If making potatoes and carrots, add them now.

Cooking

1. Bake for approximately 45-60 minutes in the preheated oven.
2. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
3. For the Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the cubed potatoes and carrots with spices and olive oil.

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place slices in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices.