There's nothing quite as comforting as a homemade Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf, with its juicy, flavorful meat and gooey, melted cheese center. This dish takes the classic meatloaf you know and love to the next level, making it an instant family favorite.

I remember the first time I tried stuffing mozzarella into a meatloaf—my kids couldn’t stop talking about how much they loved it! Since then, it’s been a staple in our meal rotation, perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Let’s dive into why this cheesy twist on a traditional recipe deserves a spot on your table.
Why You’ll Love This Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf
Prepare to be blown away by this irresistible twist on a classic comfort food. Here’s why this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds:
1. A Cheesy Surprise:
The star of this meatloaf is its gooey, melted mozzarella center. It adds a creamy richness that takes every bite to the next level.
2. Easy to Make:
While it looks fancy, this recipe comes together with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Even beginner cooks will find it manageable.
3. Family-Friendly:
Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy surprise hidden in the center of this meatloaf. It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for picky eaters.
4. Versatile and Budget-Friendly:
Made with affordable ground beef and pantry staples, this dish is easy on your wallet. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides like mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a simple salad.
Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need.
Ingredients Notes

This Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf uses a mix of pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Ground Beef:
Choose a mix with some fat, like 80/20 ground beef. The fat keeps the meatloaf moist while baking. You can also use a mix of beef and pork for even more flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese:
Fresh mozzarella works best for that ooey-gooey center. If you can’t find fresh, shredded mozzarella or mozzarella string cheese are great substitutes.
Breadcrumbs:
These help bind the meatloaf together and give it structure. Panko or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs add a little extra flavor.
Eggs:
Eggs act as a binder to hold everything together. Don’t skip them, or your meatloaf might fall apart!
Ketchup and Worcestershire Sauce:
These add moisture and enhance the flavor of the meat mixture. The ketchup also caramelizes beautifully when brushed on top.
Seasonings:
A mix of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned. Feel free to add a pinch of Italian seasoning for extra depth.
Special Equipment:
While you don’t need anything fancy, a loaf pan helps keep the meatloaf in shape. Alternatively, you can shape it by hand on a baking sheet.
Now that your ingredients are ready, let’s start cooking!
How To Make This Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf

Creating this delicious Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf is easier than you think. Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfect results:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Meat Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until just combined—don’t overwork it, or the meatloaf may become tough.
3. Assemble the Meatloaf:
Divide the meat mixture in half. Press one half into the loaf pan, creating a shallow well in the center. Place your mozzarella cheese in the well, then cover with the remaining meat mixture, sealing the edges to encase the cheese completely.
4. Add the Topping:
Brush the top of the meatloaf with a generous layer of ketchup or a mixture of ketchup and brown sugar for a sweet glaze.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set slightly.
The result? A juicy, flavorful meatloaf with a cheesy surprise waiting inside.
Storage Options
This Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf is just as delicious the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Refrigerate:
Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or store them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freeze:
For longer storage, slice the meatloaf and wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat:
To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Enjoy this dish all week long with minimal effort!
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is endlessly customizable to suit your preferences:
1. Cheese Variations:
Try stuffing the meatloaf with cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
2. Meat Options:
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You can also use a mix of beef and sausage for added flavor.
3. Veggie Add-Ins:
Sneak in some nutrition by adding finely chopped spinach, bell peppers, or shredded carrots to the meat mixture.
4. Gluten-Free Option:
Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
5. Topping Ideas:
Instead of ketchup, try barbecue sauce, marinara, or a balsamic glaze for a unique twist.
The possibilities are endless—feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own!
Enjoy the comforting flavors of this Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf, and get ready to impress your family with every cheesy, savory slice. It’s destined to become a go-to dinner favorite!
PrintMozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe
Mozzarella stuffed meatloaf is a mouthwatering twist on the classic meatloaf recipe, featuring ground meat seasoned with herbs and spices, and filled with gooey melted mozzarella cheese. This dish is the perfect comfort food for family dinners or meal prepping, offering both bold flavors and an irresistible cheesy center.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup ketchup (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, milk, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- On a sheet of parchment paper, shape the meat mixture into a flat rectangle.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the center, leaving about 1-inch edges all around.
- Roll the meatloaf tightly into a log, sealing the edges to enclose the mozzarella.
- Transfer to a greased loaf pan or baking sheet.
- Optional: Spread ketchup evenly over the top for a glaze.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Use any melting cheese, like cheddar or provolone, for variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
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