Italian Chicken Meatloaf
Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is a delicious twist on the classic meatloaf, incorporating ground beef and Italian sausage with a melty mozzarella center, fresh spinach, and savory marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1.5 lbs ground beef For a hearty base
- 0.5 lbs ground Italian sausage Adds Italian flavor
- 1 small onion, finely chopped For flavor
- 2 cloves garlic, minced For flavor
- 1 cup bread crumbs Acts as a binder
- 2 large eggs For binding
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Adds flavor
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning Herbs for Italian flavor
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped For garnish
- 0.5 cup milk Adds moisture
- to taste Salt and pepper To taste
Stuffing
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded For the gooey center
- 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional) Add for nutrition
- 0.25 cup marinara sauce For stuffing
Topping
- 0.5 cup marinara sauce To spread on top
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated For topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, chopped onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and parsley. Add milk, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is fully combined.
- On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, shape the meat mixture into a rectangular loaf, about 9x12 inches in size.
Stuffing
- Create a well in the center of the meatloaf. Fill it with shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped spinach (if using), and a spoonful of marinara sauce.
- Carefully fold the meat around the filling, ensuring the edges are sealed to keep the stuffing inside.
Baking
- Spread the remaining marinara sauce on top of the meatloaf and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the meatloaf for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- After baking, let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with additional marinara sauce if desired.
Notes
For added flavor, consider including other chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
