Description
This Stuffed Meatloaf recipe features a juicy ground beef loaf layered with provolone and shredded mozzarella cheese, topped with a tangy and slightly sweet ketchup-based sauce. Perfectly baked for a comforting family dinner, this meatloaf is flavorful, cheesy, and melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Cheese Filling
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
Sauce Topping
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan thoroughly and set it aside to prepare for the meatloaf.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, milk, egg, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything well until fully integrated but do not over-mix to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Form Bottom Meat Layer: Divide the meat mixture in half. Press half of the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan, creating a smooth and level layer.
- Add Provolone Cheese Layer: Fold each provolone slice in half and place them over the meat layer to cover it completely.
- Add Mozzarella Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the provolone layer.
- Top with Remaining Meat Mixture: Take the remaining half of the meat mixture and press it carefully over the cheese layers, sealing the edges to contain the cheese inside. Smooth the surface with your hands or a spatula for an even loaf shape.
- Prepare Sauce Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and cayenne pepper until well combined. Spread half of this sauce evenly over the top of the assembled meatloaf.
- Bake Meatloaf: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the loaf, spread the remaining sauce evenly on top, and return to the oven. Continue baking for another 20 minutes or until the meatloaf is fully cooked with an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice and serve while warm. Enjoy your cheesy stuffed meatloaf!
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety.
- Do not over-mix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender and moist.
- Resting the meatloaf before slicing helps keep it juicy and easier to cut.
- If you prefer, substitute Italian seasoning with a combination of dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
- You can add finely chopped onions or bell peppers to the meat mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- Leftover meatloaf makes great sandwiches the next day.
