Stuffed Meatloaf

published on May 18, 2023

2 comments

5 from 8 votes

This mozzarella stuffed meatloaf recipe will quickly become your new favorite dinner. Every bite of juicy ground beef and gooey, melted cheese is completely addictive!

When you take a classic meatloaf and stuff it with cheese, you get this crave-worthy stuffed meatloaf recipe! Every bite features juicy, well-seasoned ground beef with slices of gooey melted mozzarella cheese in the middle. It’s the ultimate comfort food that the entire family will love!

Why this recipe works

I can thank my mom for my complete obsession with comfort food, especially meatloaf. Her classic meatloaf was a dinner I always looked forward to. My keto meatloaf was inspired by her version, while this meatloaf with cheese is similar but given an upgrade with melted mozzarella in the middle.

Cheesy, beefy, and delicious. What could be better than meat stuffed with cheese for dinner? The ground beef mixture is well seasoned and deliciously juicy, while the melted cheese in the middle makes every bite almost too good to be true.
An easy weeknight dinner. This is a foolproof meatloaf recipe that’s easy to put together in one bowl and ready to eat in less than 1 hour.
Simple ingredients. You only need a short list of easy-to-find and budget-friendly ingredients to make this comforting dinner.

If you love meals stuffed with cheese as much as I do, then you’ll have to try my stuffed pork loin and stuffed chicken breast recipes as well.

Ingredient notes

No one will turn their nose up at this stuffed meatloaf recipe, especially when they see the gooey cheese in the middle and the simple, budget-friendly ingredients. These are the only ingredients you need to make this comforting dinner:

Ground beef. Use regular ground beef so the meatloaf stays nice and juicy.

Swap the beef

Try this recipe with ground chicken, ground pork, or a 1:1 mix of ground beef and pork. Even my ground turkey meatloaf would taste amazing with slices of mozzarella stuffed in the middle.

Panko breadcrumbs. To help soak up the excess moisture and help bind the meat mixture together.
Heavy cream. For moisture.
Egg. To help bind the meat mixture together.
Soy sauce. Or use tamari if you’re gluten free.
Italian seasoning mix. For flavor.
Paprika. This gives the meat a subtle smoky flavor.
Garlic powder and onion powder. For an irresistibly savory flavor.
Salt and black pepper. To taste.
Mozzarella cheese. Use sliced mozzarella cheese, not shredded cheese.
Fresh parsley. For garnish.

How to make stuffed meatloaf

The meatloaf mixture is easy to put together in one bowl before it’s stuffed with cheese and baked in a loaf pan. Here’s how it’s done:

Step 1 – Make the meat mixture

Mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, heavy cream, egg, soy sauce, and spices together in a large bowl. Knead it with your hands until everything just comes together.

Step 2 – Stuff the meatloaf

Press half of the meat mixture into a prepared loaf pan. Lay the mozzarella slices on top, then cover with the rest of the meat mixture.

Step 3 – Bake

Bake the meatloaf until it’s cooked through. Let it rest while you make the meatloaf glaze.

Step 4 – Make the glaze

Stir a 1:1 mixture of ketchup and barbecue sauce together in a small bowl. Brush it over the top of the slightly cooled meatloaf, then garnish with fresh parsley. Slice and enjoy!

Air fryer instructions

Instead of forming the meatloaf in a loaf pan, shape it into a log in a parchment-lined air fryer basket instead. Assemble with the cheese, then the rest of the meat mixture. Air fry for 18 to 22 minutes at 200ºC/400ºF, or until the internal temperature reaches 160ºF.

For more helpful tips and instructions, check out my air fryer meatloaf recipe.

What to serve with stuffed meatloaf

Stuffed meatloaf will quickly become a new favorite for family dinners and weeknight meals, especially when you serve it with broccoli salad, mashed potatoes, sauteed asparagus, and air fryer carrots. If you’re craving an extra-comforting dinner, swap the healthy side dishes for mac and cheese or scalloped potatoes instead. Yum!

Tips to make the best recipe

Don’t overwork the meat mixture! Knead the ingredients until they just come together. Overmixing can leave you with dense and dry meatloaf.
Instead of mozzarella, stuff the meatloaf with another great melting cheese, like sliced cheddar, provolone, or gouda.
You’ll know the meatloaf is done baking when the internal temperature is 70ºC/160ºF.
Let the meatloaf cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This way, the juices will soak back into the meat and the loaf will hold together.

Storage instructions

To store: Cover the cooked and cooled meatloaf with a layer of plastic or foil, then store it in the fridge for up to 1 week.

To reheat: The meatloaf or slices can be reheated quickly in the microwave or in a 350ºF oven for a few minutes. Brush the outside with some water to keep it from drying out.

To freeze: Keep the leftover meatloaf or slices in an airtight container, then freeze for up to 6 months.

Recommended tools to make this recipe

Loaf pan. To assemble and bake the meatloaf.
Large bowl. To mix the meat and seasonings together.
Parchment paper. Line the loaf pan with parchment paper to make the meatloaf easier to remove.
Meat thermometer. To measure the internal temperature of the meatloaf. You’ll know it’s done when it reaches 70ºC/160ºF.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the secret to a moist meatloaf?

The best way to make a moist and juicy meatloaf is to avoid overworking the meat mixture. Also, use regular ground beef rather than lean ground beef. The natural juices in the meat will prevent the meatloaf from drying out.

Do you bake the meatloaf covered or uncovered?

You can bake the meatloaf uncovered. However, if the outside is cooking too quickly or becoming crispy, you can cover it with a layer of aluminum foil.

Can this recipe be made gluten free?

Yes. You can use gluten free breadcrumbs, my keto breadcrumbs, or almond flour instead of regular panko breadcrumbs. Remember to replace the soy sauce with tamari, too.

More comfort food dinner ideas

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Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, photographer, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.