Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Easy Stuffed Italian Meatloaf Recipe for Busy Weeknights

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 slices 1x

Description

This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf elevates classic comfort food with rich Italian flavors, a creamy ricotta center, and a perfectly seasoned beef-and-sausage blend. Moist, cheesy, and deeply savory, this recipe reinvents traditional meatloaf into a show-stopping Italian-inspired dinner your family will request again and again.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20)
  • 0.5 lb ground Italian sausage
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup milk or cream
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg (for filling)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (for filling)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (for filling)
  • 4 oz provolone slices
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare ingredients and line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Combine ground beef, Italian sausage, panko, egg, onion, garlic, milk, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix ricotta, Parmesan, egg, parsley, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  4. Press half the meat mixture into a rectangle on the baking sheet. Layer provolone slices, then spread ricotta filling, leaving a border.
  5. Top with remaining meat mixture and seal edges.
  6. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the loaf.
  7. Bake at 350°F for 60–75 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  8. Let rest 15 minutes before slicing.
  9. Serve with warm marinara and fresh herbs.

Notes

Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense texture. Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Fresh herbs in the ricotta filling make a dramatic difference in flavor. Resting the loaf before slicing ensures clean cuts and prevents drying.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 65-75 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 890mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 135mg

Keywords: stuffed Italian meatloaf, ricotta stuffed meatloaf, Italian comfort food, cheese stuffed meatloaf

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://bensrecipes.com/easy-stuffed-italian-meatloaf-recipe-for-busy-weeknights/