Description
This stuffed meatloaf features savory ground beef enveloping a cheesy spinach filling, all topped with marinara sauce. It’s a comforting and impressive dish perfect for family dinners, and can be customized with various fillings to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup cooked spinach, squeezed dry and chopped (optional)
- ½ cup marinara sauce (plus more for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, and egg. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Pour in the Worcestershire sauce, and sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Mix everything together until well combined, being careful not to overmix.
- If using spinach, ensure its cooked and squeezed dry. Chop it finely and set aside. In a separate bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped spinach (if using). Optionally, add a couple of tablespoons of marinara sauce for extra flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a large piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap, spread the meatloaf mixture into a rectangle, about 1 inch thick (approximately 10×12 inches). Spoon the mozzarella and spinach mixture down the center of the meatloaf. Carefully lift one side of the meatloaf and fold it over the filling, pressing the edges to seal.
- Transfer the stuffed meatloaf to a baking dish or lined baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the top. Bake for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). Brush on more marinara sauce halfway through baking if desired.
- Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into thick pieces. Serve warm, drizzled with additional marinara sauce and garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
- You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and filling a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator.
- Customize the filling with other ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or different types of cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes