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Savory Italian Meatloaf Recipe With Gooey Mozzarella Center Easy and Perfect

Italian meatloaf with mozzarella center - featured image
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A moist and flavorful Italian meatloaf with a surprise gooey mozzarella center, seasoned with Italian herbs and topped with tangy tomato sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or potluck.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 cup seasoned Italian breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup tomato sauce (marinara or crushed tomatoes)
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella ball, sliced into sticks or cubes
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef and ground pork. Add Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, eggs, and whole milk.
  3. Stir in diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  4. Press half of the meat mixture evenly into the loaf pan, being careful not to pack it too tightly.
  5. Arrange the mozzarella slices or cubes over the meat layer, leaving a small border around the edges.
  6. Cover the mozzarella with the remaining meat mixture, sealing the edges and smoothing the top.
  7. Pour tomato sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  8. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Tent with foil halfway through if the top browns too quickly.
  9. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute.
  10. Slice into thick pieces and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Use fresh mozzarella for best melt and stretch. Avoid overmixing the meat to keep the loaf tender. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness at 160°F. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to prevent cheese from leaking. You can tent with foil if the top browns too fast.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, Italian meatloaf, mozzarella center, comfort food, easy dinner, Italian herbs, tomato sauce, gooey cheese

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/savory-italian-meatloaf-recipe-with-gooey-mozzarella-center-easy-and-perfect/