There's something magical about slicing into a perfectly cooked meatloaf and discovering a gooey, melty mozzarella center. This Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf takes comfort food to a whole new level, delivering a flavorful, tender loaf with a surprise that will delight your family and guests alike.
I first experimented with this recipe on a chilly weekend, looking for something hearty yet exciting. It quickly became a family favorite, blending classic flavors with a fun twist. Let's dive into the steps to create this irresistible dish.
Why You'll Love This Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf
Get ready to redefine what a traditional meatloaf can be. This recipe brings an elevated touch to a beloved classic while keeping things simple and family-friendly.
First and foremost, this meatloaf is bursting with flavor. The combination of herbs, spices, and perfectly seasoned meat creates a dish that's anything but ordinary. The mozzarella adds a creamy surprise in every bite.
It's incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend meal. With minimal prep and straightforward instructions, even beginner cooks can master this recipe.
Another reason to love this dish is how customizable it is. Whether you want to adjust the seasoning or swap in your favorite cheese, this meatloaf is adaptable to your taste preferences.
Finally, this recipe is both satisfying and comforting. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad, and you have a well-rounded meal that's sure to please.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf lies in its carefully selected ingredients, each contributing to the final dish’s rich flavor and texture.
Ground beef forms the base of the meatloaf. Opt for a mix with a bit of fat, like 85% lean, for a tender and moist loaf. Ground turkey can also work as a lighter option.
Breadcrumbs act as a binder, keeping the loaf together and giving it a light texture. Panko or homemade breadcrumbs are excellent choices.
Eggs provide structure, helping the meatloaf hold its shape while baking. Make sure to whisk them before adding to the mixture for even distribution.
Onions and garlic bring depth and warmth to the dish. Finely dice the onions and mince the garlic so they blend seamlessly into the loaf.
Mozzarella cheese is the star of the show. Use a block of mozzarella and cut it into strips for even stuffing, or try mozzarella pearls for a fun, gooey effect.
For seasoning, a mix of dried oregano, parsley, paprika, and black pepper creates a well-rounded flavor profile. Adjust the amounts to suit your preferences.
You'll also need a bit of tomato paste and ketchup, which not only enhance the taste but also keep the meatloaf juicy as it bakes.
For special equipment, a loaf pan helps the meatloaf maintain its shape, but free-forming it on a baking sheet works just as well.
How To Make This Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf

Making this dish is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for a perfect, cheesy meatloaf every time.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, prepare your ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, whisked eggs, diced onion, minced garlic, and seasonings. Mix everything gently with your hands or a spatula until just combined.
Take a clean surface or a piece of parchment paper and shape the meat mixture into a flat rectangle, roughly the size of your baking dish. This will make it easier to stuff and roll.
Place your mozzarella strips or pearls in the center of the rectangle, leaving some space on the edges. Carefully roll the meat mixture around the cheese, sealing the edges to create a loaf shape. Be sure the cheese is fully enclosed to prevent it from oozing out while baking.
Transfer the loaf to your greased loaf pan or a lined baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of tomato paste on top, followed by a drizzle of ketchup for a sweet and tangy glaze.
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45–55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and the cheese to settle.
When you slice into the meatloaf, you’ll reveal the gooey mozzarella center – a moment that’s sure to impress!
Storage Options
Leftovers of this Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf are just as delicious the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat it to maintain its flavor and texture.
To store, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the slices in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Be sure to separate the slices with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
When reheating, use the oven for the best results. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm the slices for about 15 minutes, covered with foil to keep them moist. A microwave works for quicker reheating, but be sure to use a lower power setting to avoid drying out the meat.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is highly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking or accommodate what you have on hand.
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella.
If you prefer a lighter option, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. The flavor remains rich, and the texture is just as satisfying.
Experiment with the glaze by mixing barbecue sauce with ketchup, or try a dash of hot sauce for added depth.
Herb lovers can add fresh basil or thyme to the meat mixture for a fragrant touch.
For a veggie-packed version, finely chop carrots, celery, or zucchini and mix them into the meat mixture. It’s a great way to add nutrients without compromising flavor.
With so many ways to make this recipe your own, you’re sure to find a combination that suits your family’s tastes perfectly. Now, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking – this cheesy, comforting delight awaits!
PrintMozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe
Make this flavorful mozzarella stuffed meatloaf recipe for a delicious, hearty dinner. Juicy ground meat is seasoned to perfection and stuffed with melty mozzarella cheese for an irresistible centerpiece dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup block mozzarella, cut into sticks
- ¼ cup parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, parsley, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Mix until fully combined.
- Place half the meat mixture into the loaf pan, pressing it down evenly.
- Arrange the block mozzarella sticks in the center of the meat layer. Cover with the remaining meat mixture, sealing the edges to enclose the cheese completely.
- Spread a thin layer of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf for added flavor and moisture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the mozzarella sticks are completely covered with meat to avoid cheese leakage during baking.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
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