Description
A savory Italian‑style meatloaf wrapped around a gooey cheese and spinach filling, topped with marinara and Parmesan—comforting, flavorful, and impressive.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- ½ lb ground Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- ½ cup milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Filling: 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Filling: 1 cup chopped spinach (optional)
- Filling: ¼ cup marinara sauce
- Topping: ½ cup marinara sauce
- Topping: ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, parsley, milk, salt, and pepper; mix until just combined.
- On a baking sheet, form the meat mixture into a rectangular loaf (about 9×12 inches).
- Create a well in the center and stuff with mozzarella, spinach (if using), and a spoonful of marinara sauce.
- Carefully fold the meat around the filling and seal to form a loaf.
- Spread remaining marinara on top and sprinkle with Parmesan.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 °F (71 °C).
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm with extra marinara sauce, if desired.
Notes
- Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives to the filling for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze the assembled loaf (wrapped in foil) for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before baking.
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option—add extra fat (e.g., olive oil) to maintain moisture.
- Add red pepper flakes or chili powder for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
