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- 1 ½ lbs ground beef - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced The star of this dish is the ground beef. I prefer using 80% lean for great flavor. Breadcrumbs help bind the meatloaf and keep it moist. Chopped onion adds sweetness, while minced garlic gives a strong kick. - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup diced bell peppers (red and green) The stuffing is where the magic happens. Mozzarella melts beautifully, creating a gooey center. Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor. Diced bell peppers give color and crunch, making each slice a delight. - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped for garnish - ½ cup ketchup (for glaze) Worcestershire sauce adds depth, while Dijon mustard brightens the taste. Thyme introduces an earthy note. Fresh parsley garnishes the dish and adds a splash of green. Finally, ketchup on top caramelizes during baking, enhancing the flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} Combining Ingredients Start by gathering all your ingredients. In a large bowl, mix 1 ½ lbs of ground beef with 1 cup of breadcrumbs. Add 1 large chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Then, crack in 1 egg and pour in 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce. Add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything until just combined, but don’t overdo it. Shaping the Meat Loaf On a clean surface, lay out parchment paper. Spread the meat mixture into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. This shape helps with rolling later. Make sure the edges are even so it cooks well. Mixing Stuffing Ingredients In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup of diced bell peppers (both red and green), and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This mix adds flavor and creaminess to your meatloaf. Spreading on Meat Mixture Once your stuffing is ready, spread it evenly over the meat rectangle. Leave a small border around the edges. This prevents the stuffing from spilling out when you roll it. Rolling Technique Carefully roll the meatloaf from one side to form a log shape. Use the parchment paper to guide you. Make sure the stuffing stays inside as you roll. When finished, place the seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Baking Time and Temperature Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the meatloaf with ½ cup of ketchup for a nice glaze. Bake for 45-55 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). After baking, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley for a lovely touch. Achieving the Right Texture To get a great meatloaf, you need the right mix. Combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, and garlic well. If you mix too much, your meatloaf can get tough. Aim for a soft and moist texture. Adding an egg helps bind the mixture without making it dense. Importance of Resting Time Resting meatloaf is key. After baking, let it sit for about 10 minutes. This allows juices to settle, making it juicier and easier to slice. If you skip this step, your meatloaf may crumble when you cut it. Additional Spices and Herbs You can boost the taste of your meatloaf with extra spices. Try adding paprika or a pinch of cayenne for heat. Fresh herbs, like basil or thyme, can also bring in fresh flavors. Don’t be afraid to experiment with what you like. Alternative Glazes While ketchup is a classic glaze, you can try other options. Barbecue sauce or a mix of honey and mustard works great. For a zesty twist, use salsa or a sweet chili sauce. These choices add unique flavors to your dish. Accompaniments for Meatloaf Pair your stuffed meatloaf with yummy sides. Mashed potatoes or roasted veggies work well. A fresh salad can add a nice crunch. You want colors and textures to make your meal fun and tasty. Presentation Ideas Make your meatloaf look amazing on the plate. Slice it into thick pieces and fan them out. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color. Serve it on a colorful platter to make it pop. A lovely presentation can impress your family and guests. Pro Tips Use Lean Meat: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier meatloaf without sacrificing flavor. Chill Before Baking: After rolling the meatloaf, let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps it hold its shape better while baking. Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to customize the stuffing with your favorite ingredients, such as spinach, mushrooms, or different types of cheese for a unique twist. Let It Rest: Allow the meatloaf to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, making each slice moist and flavorful. {{image_2}} You can change the type of cheese in your stuffed meatloaf. This simple switch can add new flavors. Try using sharp cheddar instead of mozzarella. It gives a nice kick. You might also like gouda for a creamy touch. Adding cream cheese is another great idea. Cream cheese makes the filling rich and smooth. Mix it with your chosen cheese for extra creaminess. It melts beautifully and adds a delightful texture. You can also add more vegetables to your meatloaf. Try stuffing it with spinach or mushrooms. Both options boost flavor and nutrition. Zucchini can be a nice choice too. Dice it small so it cooks well inside. Using seasonal vegetables can make your dish special. In the summer, add fresh corn or diced tomatoes. In the fall, try roasted butternut squash. These veggies bring freshness and color to your meal. If you want a lighter dish, choose lean meat options. Ground turkey or chicken works well. They can make your meatloaf healthier without losing taste. Just keep the same seasonings to keep it flavorful. For gluten-free options, swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free ones. You can also use oats or crushed rice crackers. These choices help everyone enjoy your stuffed meatloaf without worry. Refrigeration Guidelines After dinner, let the stuffed meatloaf cool to room temperature. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Always check for any odd smells before eating. Freezing Instructions For longer storage, you can freeze the meatloaf. Slice it into portions first. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Recommended Methods for Best Results For best taste, reheat meatloaf in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices in a baking dish and cover with foil. This keeps it moist. You can also use the microwave, but it may dry out the meatloaf. Time and Temperature In the oven, heat for about 20 minutes. If using a microwave, heat on medium for 2-3 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving. Preparing in Advance You can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day ahead. Mix all the ingredients and store in the fridge overnight. This saves time for busy days. Freezing Individual Portions For easy meals, freeze single slices. Just reheat as needed. This way, you enjoy tasty meatloaf whenever you want. Bake your stuffed meatloaf for 45 to 55 minutes. You want it to reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). The time may vary based on your oven. Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices inside. Yes, you can make this meatloaf ahead of time. Prepare the meat mixture and stuff it as directed. Wrap it well and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze it for later. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking. This saves you time on busy days. Stuffed meatloaf pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Mashed potatoes - Steamed broccoli - Roasted carrots - Side salad - Garlic bread These sides complement the hearty flavors of the meatloaf. You can mix and match based on your family's taste. Enjoy creating a meal everyone will love! This blog post covered everything you need for stuffed meatloaf. We talked about the main ingredients like beef, breadcrumbs, and cheese. You learned step-by-step how to prepare, stuff, roll, and bake your meatloaf. I shared tips for the right texture and ways to enhance flavor. Plus, there are variations and storage tips to keep it fresh. In the end, stuffed meatloaf is both versatile and easy to make. I hope you feel inspired to try it yourself. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Stuffed Meatloaf Supreme

A delicious meatloaf filled with cheese and vegetables, perfect for a hearty meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (red and green)
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
  • 0.5 cup ketchup (for glaze)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper until just combined.
  • On a clean surface or parchment paper, spread the meat mixture into a rectangle about ½ inch thick.
  • In another bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, diced bell peppers, and grated Parmesan to create the stuffing mixture.
  • Spread the cheese and pepper mixture evenly over the meat rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
  • Carefully roll the meatloaf from one side to form a log shape, ensuring the stuffing remains inside.
  • Place the stuffed meatloaf seam-side down in a lined or greased baking dish.
  • Brush the top with ketchup for a flavorful glaze.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Let the meatloaf rest before slicing for better presentation.
Keyword beef, cheese, dinner, meatloaf, stuffed