Picture the comforting aroma of savory meat, cheese, and sautéed vegetables wafting through your kitchen.
There’s something about a stuffed meatloaf that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
This easy-to-make dish is both cozy and indulgent, making it a family favorite.
As the layers of beef, cheese, and veggies meld together in the oven, a delightful transformation occurs.
Let’s bring this delicious creation to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 loaf pan
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 cutting board
- 1 knife
- 1 frying pan
- 1 spatula
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 oven
- 1 meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Stuffed Meatloaf, here’s a timeline you can follow:
- Reading the Recipe (5 minutes):
- Take a few minutes to read through the entire recipe to understand the process and guarantee you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Prepping Ingredients (15 minutes):
- Gather all ingredients and equipment.
- Chop the onions, mushrooms, spinach, and mince the garlic.
- Measure out the breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and ketchup.
- Preheat Oven (2 minutes):
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Sautéing Vegetables (8 minutes):
- Heat a frying pan and sauté the onions, mushrooms, and garlic until softened.
- Mixing Meat Mixture (5 minutes):
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well to combine.
- Assembling Meatloaf (5 minutes):
- Lay half of the meat mixture in the loaf pan.
- Layer the sautéed vegetables, spinach, and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Top with the remaining meat mixture and spread ketchup evenly over the top.
- Baking (1 hour):
- Place the assembled meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Resting Time (10 minutes):
- Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a frying pan, sauté the onions, mushrooms, and garlic until softened.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
Mix the ingredients until well combined.
Lay half of the meat mixture in a loaf pan, pressing it down evenly.
Layer the sautéed vegetables, spinach, and mozzarella cheese on top of the meat layer.
Top with the remaining meat mixture, ensuring all filling is covered.
Spread ketchup evenly over the top of the loaf.
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Serving Tips
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a classic and comforting side that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the meatloaf.
- Steamed Green Beans: Add a fresh and crunchy element to your meal with lightly steamed green beans, seasoned with a touch of butter and lemon.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers complements the meatloaf with additional textures and flavors.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread for a hearty, satisfying meal that soaks up the delicious juices from the meatloaf.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad provides a revitalizing contrast to the rich meatloaf and balances the meal with its tangy dressing.
Storage
To store stuffed meatloaf, wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze slices individually for up to 3 months.
Freezing
To freeze stuffed meatloaf, first cool completely.
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place in an airtight container.
Label with date.
Consume within three months for best quality.
Reheating
To reheat stuffed meatloaf, slice it.
Then, microwave on medium power until warm.
Alternatively, cover with foil and heat in the oven at 300°F for about 15 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Stuffed meatloaf is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food. It combines savory ground meat with a flavorful filling of vegetables and cheese.
This dish isn’t only satisfying but also versatile. You can customize it to suit your taste preferences.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add your favorite vegetables to the filling.
The key to a perfect meatloaf is guaranteeing the meat mixture is well-combined.
This helps prevent crumbling when slicing. Using a combination of beef and pork can enhance the richness of the flavor.
For an improved texture, consider using fresh breadcrumbs. Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing allows the juices to redistribute.
This guarantees each slice is moist and flavorful.
Enjoy this hearty meal with your favorite sides for a complete dinner experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Turkey Instead of Beef for the Meatloaf?
You can substitute turkey for beef in meatloaf recipes. Make certain you maintain moisture by adding extra milk or broth. Monitor internal temperature closely, aiming for 165°F to guarantee safe consumption. Adjust seasoning to complement turkey’s milder flavor.
How Can I Make the Meatloaf Gluten-Free?
Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it gluten-free. Confirm all other ingredients, like Worcestershire sauce, are certified gluten-free. Verify labels for hidden gluten. Maintain binding by thoroughly mixing the meat mixture.
What Is a Good Substitute for Worcestershire Sauce?
Substitute Worcestershire sauce with a blend of soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of sugar. Guarantee balance by using equal parts soy sauce and vinegar, and adjust sugar to taste. Mix thoroughly before incorporating.
How Do I Prevent the Meatloaf From Being Dry?
Guarantee moisture retention by incorporating adequate fat content in meat, using fresh breadcrumbs, and not overmixing. Add moisture-rich ingredients like vegetables. Avoid overbaking—use a meat thermometer to check doneness and let it rest before slicing.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Stuffing?
Absolutely, add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for enhanced flavor and moisture. Dice them finely for even cooking. Make certain they don’t overpower the loaf’s texture. Maintain a balanced vegetable-to-meat ratio for ideal results.
Stuffed Meatloaf
Equipment
- 1 Loaf pan
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Frying pan
- 1 Spatula
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 Oven
- 1 Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a frying pan, sauté the onions, mushrooms, and garlic until softened.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the ingredients until well combined.
- Lay half of the meat mixture in a loaf pan, pressing it down evenly.
- Layer the sautéed vegetables, spinach, and mozzarella cheese on top of the meat layer.
- Top with the remaining meat mixture, ensuring all filling is covered.
- Spread ketchup evenly over the top of the loaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
