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- 1.5 lbs ground beef - 1 cup Italian bread crumbs - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup milk - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup marinara sauce - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped - 1/4 cup sliced black olives - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper To make stuffed Italian meatloaf, you need fresh ingredients that pack flavor. Start with the ground beef as the base. I choose 80/20 ground beef for a good balance of taste and moisture. The Italian bread crumbs help bind the meatloaf together and give it texture. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor. You’ll also need milk to keep the meatloaf moist and one large egg to help it hold shape. Add minced garlic for a bold kick. For the filling, marinara sauce is key. It adds moisture and flavor inside the meatloaf. Shredded mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey center. Roasted red peppers add a sweet, smoky taste. Lastly, sliced black olives bring a briny note that balances the dish. Don't forget the seasonings! Fresh parsley adds brightness. Dried oregano and basil give an Italian touch. Salt and black pepper enhance all these flavors, making your meatloaf a hit at the dinner table. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps cook the meatloaf evenly. - In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, Italian bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to blend well. Make sure everything is combined for a tasty meatloaf. - Place a sheet of parchment paper on a clean surface. Transfer the meat mixture to the parchment and shape it into a rectangle, about 1 inch thick. This makes it easier to roll later. - Spread marinara sauce evenly on top of the meatloaf. Leave a small space at the edges to prevent overflow. - Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Then, add the chopped roasted red peppers and sliced black olives. This will give a burst of flavor inside. - Start at one long edge of the meatloaf and carefully roll it up into a log shape. Pinch the seams closed and tuck the ends to seal. Place the rolled meatloaf seam-side down in a baking dish. - For added flavor, brush any leftover marinara sauce over the top of the meatloaf. This keeps it moist and adds a nice glaze. - Bake the meatloaf in your preheated oven for 60-70 minutes. Check the internal temperature; it should reach 160°F (70°C) to be safe to eat. - After baking, let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside when you slice it. Enjoy the tasty flavors! How to check meatloaf doneness To check if your meatloaf is done, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the center. The meatloaf should read 160°F (70°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut into it. The juices should run clear, and the meat should not be pink inside. Importance of resting the meatloaf before slicing Letting the meatloaf rest after baking is key. Rest it for about 10 minutes. This helps the juices stay inside. If you slice too soon, the juices run out. Your meatloaf will be dry and less tasty. Suggestions for additional spices or herbs To boost flavor, think about adding spices. You can try crushed red pepper for heat. Fresh basil or thyme can add a fresh taste. A touch of smoked paprika can give a unique flavor too. Mix and match to find your favorite combination. Pairing options for marinara sauce Marinara sauce is great with meatloaf. You can also use pesto for a twist. A creamy Alfredo sauce can be nice if you want something rich. Serve it on the side or drizzle it over the top. Each option adds its own flair. Importance of using images or videos for clarity Using images or videos can help you see each step. It can show you how the meatloaf should look. This makes it easier to follow along. Visual aids can clear up any confusion and make cooking more fun. How to set up a visually appealing presentation When serving, think about how it looks. Arrange thick slices on a nice plate. Drizzle extra marinara on top for color. Add fresh parsley for a pop of green. A well-presented dish makes the meal feel special and inviting. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley and basil will enhance the flavor of your meatloaf significantly compared to dried herbs. Don’t Overmix: Mixing the meatloaf too much can lead to a dense texture. Combine the ingredients just until incorporated. Rest Before Slicing: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after baking. This will help keep it juicy and prevent it from falling apart when sliced. Try Different Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different fillings such as spinach, feta cheese, or sun-dried tomatoes for a unique twist on the classic meatloaf. {{image_4}} You can change the fillings in your stuffed meatloaf. If you want to skip roasted red peppers and black olives, try using chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. These options add flavor and color. You can also mix in mushrooms or artichokes for a different taste. For those who prefer a vegetarian option, use lentils or beans as a filling. You can also try using tofu for a meat substitute. These options are healthy and full of protein. If you want a leaner meatloaf, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. These meats are lower in fat and calories. You can still enjoy the same great taste while making a healthier choice. For a gluten-free option, replace Italian bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or oats. Both options work well and keep the meatloaf moist and tasty. Sauces can change the whole flavor of your meatloaf. While marinara sauce is a classic, you can also serve it with barbecue sauce or a creamy mushroom sauce. Each sauce gives a unique twist to this dish. If you want to make your own sauce, try mixing tomato paste with garlic and herbs. You can even add a splash of red wine for depth of flavor. This homemade sauce can make your meatloaf even more special. Store your leftover stuffed Italian meatloaf in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Consume the refrigerated meatloaf within three to four days for the best taste. To freeze meatloaf, let it cool fully first. Then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. This double wrap prevents freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, about 20-30 minutes. Stuffed Italian meatloaf lasts well in the fridge for three to four days. If frozen, it maintains quality for three months. Always check for any off smells or discoloration before eating. If stored properly, it can taste just as good as the day it was made. What toppings can I add to stuffed Italian meatloaf? You can add many toppings to make your meatloaf shine. Some great options include: - Sliced fresh basil - Grated mozzarella cheese - Crumbled feta cheese - Extra marinara sauce - Chopped fresh parsley These toppings add flavor and make your dish look beautiful. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef? Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken. Just note that these meats are leaner. You might want to add a bit more milk or olive oil to keep it moist. The spices and fillings will still make it tasty. Can I cook the meatloaf in a slow cooker? Yes, you can cook the meatloaf in a slow cooker. Just shape it and place it in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method keeps the meatloaf very moist. What is the best temperature for reheating meatloaf? The best temperature for reheating meatloaf is 350°F (175°C). You can cover it with foil to keep it from drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until it's warm throughout. What are good substitutes for Parmesan cheese? If you need a substitute for Parmesan cheese, try: - Grated pecorino - Nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option - Grated Asiago cheese These will still give you a nice flavor in the meatloaf. How can I make this recipe dairy-free? To make the recipe dairy-free, use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk. For cheese, use a dairy-free alternative like a nut-based cheese. This way, you can enjoy the flavors without dairy. This guide covered how to make a delicious stuffed Italian meatloaf. We discussed the key ingredients like ground beef, marinara sauce, and spices. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation, shaping, and baking. Tips for enhancing flavor and storage options are also included. Now, it's your turn to try this recipe. Customize it to fit your taste. Enjoy each bite of your tasty creation!

Savory Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

A delicious meatloaf filled with marinara, mozzarella, and roasted red peppers, perfect for a hearty meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef
  • 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup milk
  • 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for serving)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
  • 0.25 cup sliced black olives

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until all ingredients are well blended and the mixture is cohesive.
  • Place a sheet of parchment paper on a clean surface. Transfer the meat mixture onto the parchment and shape it into a rectangular slab that is approximately 1 inch thick.
  • Evenly spread the marinara sauce across the top of the meatloaf, leaving a small margin around the edges to prevent overflow during baking.
  • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the marinara layer. Then, distribute the chopped roasted red peppers and sliced black olives evenly across the cheese.
  • Starting from one of the longer edges of the shaped meat, carefully lift and roll the mixture up tightly into a log shape, ensuring the filling stays inside. Pinch the seams closed and tuck the ends to seal. Place the rolled meatloaf seam-side down in a baking dish.
  • For an extra burst of flavor, brush any remaining marinara sauce over the top of the meatloaf.
  • Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C), ensuring it's cooked through.
  • Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for approximately 10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices and enhances the overall flavor.

Notes

Serve with additional marinara sauce and a green salad.
Keyword Italian, meatloaf, stuffed