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Individual Mozzarella Stuffed Italian Meatloaves are a game-changer for anyone who loves a comforting yet elevated meal. Seasoned ground beef is stuffed with mozzarella and topped with your favorite spaghetti sauce to create a delicious meal the whole family will enjoy!

Are you ready to elevate your meatloaf game to a whole new level of deliciousness? Say goodbye to traditional meatloaf and say hello to Individual Mozzarella Stuffed Italian Meatloaves! If you love Italian meatballs, you will love this recipe too!

I love that it’s a quick, easy dinner recipe perfect for two, or a larger family. With a few simple pantry ingredients, you can whip up this dish in no time. The combination of Italian herbs, spices, and gooey melted mozzarella creates a simple meal that will have your taste buds singing. Maybe Italian Opera?

Whether you’re a meatloaf enthusiast or just looking to impress your family with a new mouthwatering dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. It’s a favorite at this Nest! Let’s get busy and kick up that classic meatloaf recipe!

Meatloaf Ingredients

• ½ cup Italian Bread Crumbs – You can use regular bread crumbs as a substitution or crushed butter crackers if you don’t have Italian Bread Crumbs on hand.
• ¼ cup diced white onion – or 3 tablespoons of dried minced onion flakes, either works great. It’s all about using what you have on hand.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan Cheese – Yep…you can use the stuff in the green can!
• 1 large egg – beaten
• 2 cloves of garlic – minced. (I use the jarred stuff…shocking I know!)
• 1 Tablespoon of dried parsley flakes.
• ½ teaspoon Italian Seasoning
• Salt and Pepper to taste – about ¼ teaspoon of each.
• 1 lb. lean ground beef – you can use half ground beef and half Italian sausage if you’d like extra flavor!
• 2 Mozzarella Cheese Sticks-cut in half.
• 2 cups Store bought Pasta Sauce

How to Make Individual Stuffed Meatloaf

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, Italian spices, salt and pepper. Mix until thoroughly combined.

TIP: Be cautious not to over mix or the meat can become tough!

Making Individual Stuffed Meatloaves

Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions. Form each portion of meatloaf mixture into a 2-inch-thick-rectangle to create a mini meatloaf.

On parchment paper, or an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet, sprayed with non-stick cooking spray, place each mini-meatloaf.

In the center of the meat, make an indentation long enough for each of the pieces of cheese stick. Repeat with remaining mixture.

TIP: You can stuff each mini meatloaf with provolone cheese, or grated mozzarella cheese. I find the cheese sticks to be the easiest to use. However, it works with any type of Italian cheese.

Place one of the cut cheese sticks in the center of each Italian-style meatloaf.

TIP: You can also use cut blocks of mozzarella cheese if you prefer.

Form the ground beef mixture over the top of the mozzarella cheese stick. Place each loaf shaped cheesy stuffed meatloaf on the prepared baking sheet about 3 inches apart.

Baking Tip: You can place each formed “meatloaf” in a mini loaf pan if that is easier for you. I prefer to place them on a baking sheet. Fewer dishes…and I’m all about less dishes!

Top each mozzarella stuffed Italian meatloaf with a couple of tablespoons of your favorite pasta sauce over the top of each mini loaf.

I know what you’re thinking! You’re thinking… “Norine, this is one giant meatball!”

I would say “And the problem is?”, because friends, the only thing better than a stuffed meatball…is a GIANT one! Am I right or am I right?!!

Baking Meatloaves

Place the baking sheet in a preheated 425°F oven. Bake for 22–25 minutes or until a meat thermometer reaches an internal temperature of 160°.

Pro Tip: Baking the loaves on a rack, on top of the baking sheet, allows air to move all around the loaves, helping them to cook and brown more evenly.

Serve with additional warmed pasta sauce, chopped fresh basil or parsley, and a sprinkle of Parmesan Cheese.

What do you serve with individual Italian stuffed meatloaves?

Meat and potatoes is a classic combination. You can’t go wrong with any potato side dish! My favorite Parmesan Crispy garlic red potatoes would be particularly good with this dish. There are plenty of other options. Balsamic glazed green beans, homemade soft French Bread, and this B.L.T. Salad with fresh Basil Dressing are all great sides that pair well with this main dish recipe.

Q & A for Mini Italian Meatloaf Recipe

• Can you make mini meatloaf ahead of time? Yes! Meat loaf is a great make-ahead meal. The loaves can be assembled (unbaked) up to a day in advance. They must be kept in the fridge in a covered container or wrapped tightly in storage wrap.
• Can you freeze prepared meatloaf? Yes! This makes them a great meal to have on hand when you need a meal to take to a friend, or a dinner on a busy night. The loaves can be frozen (uncooked) for up to two months. Assemble the loaves, then wrap in a layer of plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Be sure to date them. Store in a freezer-safe resealable plastic bag or an airtight container in the freezer. Thaw the loaves in the refrigerator, then proceed with baking.
• Can you use other meats? You can substitute the ground beef with ground sausage, ground turkey, or ground chicken. I’m a huge fan of getting creative!
• Can you freeze cooked meatloaf? Yes! You can freeze cooked meat loaf for up to three months. Let the loaves cool, then wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, and place in a Freezer Ziploc plastic bag. Thaw the loaves in the refrigerator for 24 hours, then reheat in a 350° oven until the loaves are heated through the middle to 165°.

Other Favorite Easy Ground Beef Recipes

• Cowboy Biscuit Hamburger Casserole
• Easy Stove Top Skillet Lasagna Recipe
• Cheesy Meatball and Hashbrown Casserole
• Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff
• Super Easy Sloppy Joe Recipe
• Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe from the Pioneer Woman

These Individual Mozzarella Stuffed Italian Meatloaves are a game-changer for anyone who loves a comforting yet elevated meal.

Next time you’re craving a hearty and flavorful dish, skip the ordinary meatloaf and opt for these individual delights. Your family and friends will thank you for a delicious twist on a classic favorite.

Happy Nesting Friends!

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