Get ready—this Italian‑Style Meatloaf is filled with melty mozzarella and wrapped in savory herbs and marinara flavor. I’ll explore why this twist works so well, walk you through easy prep steps, share flavor-boosting tips, answer your common questions, and finish with a conclusion that makes your dinner feel truly special.
Table of Contents
What Makes This Italian Meatloaf Special
Cheese‑filled meatloaf is comfort food on a whole new level. The mozzarella center melts into gooey bliss with every hot slice, while the herb-and-marinara infused beef remains juicy and flavorful. Each bite pairs rich Italian aromatics—like basil, oregano, and garlic—with that satisfying cheese pull. It’s feel-good food with flair, not mess, and perfect for the whole family. If you adore indulgent, cozy meat dishes, you might also love my Southern‑Style Cheesy Meatloaf, which leans into cheese and comfort with a Southern spin.
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Italian‑Style Meatloaf with Mozzarella
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Italian-style meatloaf is filled with gooey mozzarella and topped with marinara, making it a bold and cheesy take on classic comfort. A homemade meatloaf recipe packed with herby flavor.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk or half-and-half
1/2 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for topping)
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder or 1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease or line a loaf pan with parchment.
3. In a large bowl, combine beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, 1/2 cup marinara, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Do not overmix—mix just until combined.
5. Press half the mixture into the loaf pan.
6. Line center with mozzarella cubes.
7. Cover with remaining meat mixture, sealing the cheese inside.
8. Top with extra marinara sauce.
9. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
10. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Use fresh mozzarella for extra gooey texture.
You can prepare this meatloaf ahead and refrigerate before baking.
It pairs beautifully with garlic bread, salad, or roasted green beans.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: italian meatloaf, mozzarella meatloaf, cheesy meatloaf, homemade meatloaf
Ingredients & Prep for the Italian Twist
Here’s what you’ll need. Each item brings Italian flavor or that melty surprise in the middle.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef (80% lean) | 1 lb |
| Large egg, beaten | 1 |
| Breadcrumbs | ½ cup |
| Milk or half‑and‑half | ¼ cup |
| Marinara sauce | ½ cup (plus more for topping) |
| Italian seasoning blend (basil, oregano, thyme) | 1 Tbsp |
| Garlic powder or minced garlic | 1 tsp |
| Mozzarella, cut into 1‑inch cubes | ½ cup |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
These ingredients work together to balance texture, moisture, and deep Italian flavor. If you ever want to skip the cheese center but keep big taste, my Ultimate Best Meatloaf keeps it juicy and classic with an elegant, simple glaze.
Step‑by‑Step: How to Assemble & Bake
- Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
- Lightly grease a loaf pan or line with parchment or foil.
- In a bowl, gently mix beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, ½ cup marinara, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper—avoid overmixing.
- Press half the meat mixture evenly into the pan.
- Place mozzarella cubes in a straight line down the center.
- Cover with remaining meat, sealing the edges so cheese is fully enclosed.
- Spread extra marinara over the top for a glazed finish.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until internal temperature hits 160 °F.
- Rest for 10 minutes before slicing—this helps the cheese stay gooey and the meat remains moist.
If you enjoy that molten cheese center, my Mini Meatloaf Muffins also hold cheese beautifully in single portions—fun for kids and parties.
Flavor Enhancements, Serving Ideas & FAQs
Try These Variations
- Add crumbled cooked sausage or pancetta for extra meaty depth.
- Mix in fresh basil or parsley for herb freshness.
- Top with extra mozzarella in the last 5 minutes of baking for a cheese pull layer.
Serve slices over garlic bread, alongside roasted veggies, or with a green salad for a well-rounded meal. If you crave sweeter savory dishes, my Brown Sugar Glazed Meatloaf takes you there with caramel notes.
Common Questions Answered
Can I freeze this?
Yes—freeze baked or raw (well-wrapped) for up to 3 months. Thaw thoroughly before reheating.
Will the cheese leak out?
Resting is key! Let it sit before slicing so cheese doesn’t ooze everywhere.
Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely—assemble, then refrigerate in the fridge for up to 6 hours before baking.
What’s the safe internal temperature?
Bake until reaching 160 °F; it will finish around 165 °F after resting—safe and juicy.
This Italian‑Style Meatloaf with Mozzarella Center brings bold Italian flavors, gooey cheese, and reliable comfort in one standout loaf. It elevates traditional meatloaf with a surprise middle and bright, herby profile.
Let it rest, slice carefully to capture that gooey core, serve with warm sides, and enjoy a dinner that tastes indulgent yet familiar. Bold, cheesy, and irresistibly homemade—this meatloaf checks all the boxes.