Description
Stuffed meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food, offering a delicious, savory twist on the classic meatloaf recipe. This hearty dish features a flavorful mixture of ground beef or other meats, combined with an assortment of seasonings, vegetables, and cheese, then stuffed and rolled for maximum flavor. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a hearty, filling meal, this stuffed meatloaf is a great choice. It’s easy to customize with your favorite fillings like mushrooms, spinach, cheese, or bacon, making it a versatile dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a combination of beef and pork)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for the filling)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Stuffing:
- 1 cup spinach, wilted and chopped (or use kale or other greens)
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or any cheese of your choice)
- 3 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup cooked quinoa or rice (optional for texture and added nutrition)
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
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Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until the ingredients are well combined, but do not overwork the mixture to avoid a tough meatloaf.
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Prepare the Stuffing: In a separate bowl, combine the spinach, mushrooms, cheese, crumbled bacon, and quinoa (if using). Stir until the mixture is evenly mixed. This will be your stuffing.
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Assemble the Meatloaf: On a sheet of parchment paper, flatten the meat mixture into a rectangular shape (about 1/2 inch thick). Make sure it’s large enough to spread your stuffing in the center. Spoon the stuffing down the center of the flattened meat mixture, leaving a little space at the edges.
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Roll the Meatloaf: Carefully roll up the meatloaf around the stuffing, using the parchment paper to help guide it. Pinch the edges together to seal the stuffing inside, ensuring no gaps remain.
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Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until smooth. Brush this glaze generously over the top of the rolled meatloaf.
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Bake the Meatloaf: Transfer the stuffed meatloaf to your prepared baking sheet or loaf pan. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), and the meatloaf is golden brown on top.
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Rest and Slice: Once the meatloaf is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute for a moist, tender meatloaf.
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Serve: Slice the meatloaf into portions and serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Notes
Customizing the Stuffing: You can mix and match the ingredients in the stuffing to suit your preferences. For a veggie version, add roasted vegetables or use vegan cheese. For a more indulgent meatloaf, you can include cooked sausage or pepperoni in the stuffing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g