When you’re craving comfort food with a little something extra, this Stuffed Meatloaf with Mozzarella delivers in every bite. It’s tender, juicy, and packed with melted cheese and flavorful spinach in the center, wrapped in a savory tomato glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. A true crowd-pleaser, this dish brings family and friends to the table with its irresistible aroma and hearty, satisfying taste.
This isn’t just your average meatloaf. The luscious filling of gooey mozzarella paired with vibrant greens turns a classic dinner staple into an unforgettable centerpiece. Perfect for cozy weeknights or Sunday dinners, this stuffed meatloaf makes the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day.
Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Meatloaf with Mozzarella
You’ll love this recipe because it takes the simplicity of meatloaf and gives it an exciting, cheesy twist. The contrast of the rich beef, creamy melted mozzarella, and fresh spinach inside keeps every slice moist and flavorful. Plus, it’s a one-pan dinner that’s easy to prep, feeds a crowd, and works just as well for leftovers the next day.
How Do You Keep the Mozzarella from Leaking Out?
To make sure your mozzarella stays inside where it belongs, the trick is to seal the meat mixture well around the filling. You want to roll it up tightly and pinch the edges closed so that the cheese doesn’t escape as it bakes. Letting the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing also helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to serve neat, picture-perfect slices.
Ingredients for the Stuffed Meatloaf with Mozzarella
Ground beef is the heart of this recipe, providing a juicy and flavorful base that holds everything together beautifully. Choose a good quality beef with just the right amount of fat for tenderness.
Breadcrumbs give the meatloaf structure and help retain moisture. They prevent the meat from becoming dense and heavy.
Eggs act as the binder, ensuring the loaf stays together when sliced while keeping it moist and tender.
Fresh spinach adds color and a mild earthy flavor to balance the richness of the beef and cheese.
Mozzarella cheese is the star of the filling, offering a gooey, creamy surprise in every bite.
Onion and garlic infuse the meat with savory depth and make every bite fragrant and irresistible.
Tomato sauce or ketchup creates the sweet and tangy glaze on top, which caramelizes and seals in the flavors as it bakes.
Seasonings like salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs elevate the dish, making it aromatic and well-rounded.


How To Make the Stuffed Meatloaf with Mozzarella
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs. Mix just until everything is combined — don’t overwork it to keep it tender.
Step 2: Roll Out the Meat
On a sheet of parchment paper, pat the meat mixture into a large rectangle, about ½ inch thick. This will make it easy to roll up later.
Step 3: Add the Filling
Evenly spread a layer of fresh spinach over the meat, followed by slices or shredded mozzarella, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 4: Roll and Seal
Starting at one short end, carefully roll the meat into a tight log, using the parchment to help lift and roll. Pinch the edges and ends to seal the cheese inside.
Step 5: Glaze and Bake
Transfer the loaf to a baking dish seam-side down, and brush generously with tomato sauce or ketchup. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 50-60 minutes, until cooked through and golden on top.
Step 6: Rest Before Slicing
Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and the cheese to set slightly.
Serving and Storing This Stuffed Meatloaf with Mozzarella
This stuffed meatloaf serves about 6 people generously, making it ideal for a family dinner or small gathering. Slice it thick and plate it while still warm so you can enjoy that melty mozzarella center. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze individual slices by wrapping them tightly in foil and keeping them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
What to Serve With Stuffed Meatloaf with Mozzarella?
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes with a touch of garlic make the perfect partner for this savory meatloaf.
Roasted Green Beans
A light and crispy side of roasted green beans brings freshness and balances out the richness of the meat.
Buttered Corn on the Cob
Sweet corn on the cob, slathered in butter, adds a pop of color and flavor to the plate.
Caesar Salad
A cool Caesar salad with crisp romaine, Parmesan, and croutons brings crunch and brightness.
Dinner Rolls
Soft, warm dinner rolls are great for soaking up any leftover glaze or juices.
Creamy Coleslaw
A tangy, creamy coleslaw gives a refreshing contrast to the hearty meatloaf.
Roasted Carrots
Sweet and caramelized roasted carrots lend natural sweetness that complements the savory filling.
Want More Comfort Food Ideas?
If you love this stuffed meatloaf, here are a few other comforting and hearty recipes you’ll enjoy:
• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a creamy, cheesy pasta that’s just as satisfying.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for a decadent twist on two classics.
• One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta for an easy weeknight dinner full of smoky flavor.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a quick, creamy dish everyone will love.
• Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce for a bubbly, cheesy bake that’s perfect for family dinners.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add any extra veggies to the filling? Maybe tried a different cheese? I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook smarter.
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Stuffed Meatloaf with Mozzarella
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This stuffed meatloaf with mozzarella recipe is the ultimate comfort food dinner. Juicy ground beef, gooey mozzarella cheese, and fresh spinach rolled into one hearty loaf, perfect for family meals. Discover this cheesy stuffed meatloaf and enjoy a cozy, delicious dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds ground beef 1 cup breadcrumbs 2 large eggs 1 cup fresh spinach 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese shredded or sliced ½ cup onion finely chopped 2 cloves garlic minced ½ cup tomato sauce or ketchup 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs until just combined. On parchment paper, pat the mixture into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Layer spinach and mozzarella evenly over the meat, leaving a border. Roll up tightly starting from one short end, sealing the edges to enclose the filling. Place the loaf seam-side down in a baking dish and brush with tomato sauce or ketchup. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 50-60 minutes, until cooked through and golden. Let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use freshly grated mozzarella for best melt and texture. Do not overmix the beef to keep it tender. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing so the cheese doesn’t ooze out too much.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 115mg