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Savory Italian Meatloaf with Mozzarella

Savory Italian Meatloaf - featured image
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A quick and easy Italian-inspired meatloaf featuring a gooey mozzarella center, perfect for comforting family dinners with simple ingredients and bold flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced or cubed
  • 3/4 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until blended.
  3. Stir in the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Add the Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs and let them soak in the egg mixture for a minute.
  5. Add the ground beef and pork to the bowl and gently mix with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Transfer half of the meat mixture to a loaf pan or baking sheet and press down into an even layer about 1 to 1.5 inches thick.
  7. Arrange the sliced or cubed mozzarella evenly over the meat base.
  8. Cover the cheese with the remaining meat mixture, pressing gently to seal the edges and enclose the cheese.
  9. Optionally, spoon tomato sauce over the top for a saucier meatloaf.
  10. Bake for 50-60 minutes, tenting with foil if the top browns too quickly.
  11. Check for doneness; internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
  12. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to keep the meatloaf tender and juicy. Seal the mozzarella layer well inside the meat to prevent cheese leakage. For a crispier crust, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking. Can substitute milk with almond milk and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for dietary needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, Italian meatloaf, mozzarella meatloaf, easy dinner, comfort food, family dinner, cheesy meatloaf

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/savory-italian-meatloaf-with-mozzarella-easy-recipe-for-perfect-dinner/