Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Mozzarella & Spinach

Hi, I’m Sarah Jansen, a traveler and food blogger who loves taking familiar comfort foods and giving them a fresh twist. Meatloaf is one of those nostalgic dishes that instantly feels like home, but this Stuffed Italian Meatloaf takes it to a whole new level. Seasoned with Italian herbs and stuffed with gooey mozzarella, fresh spinach, and roasted red peppers, it’s hearty, cheesy, and unforgettable. Topped with a layer of marinara sauce and baked until golden, this meatloaf is cozy enough for family dinners yet impressive enough for entertaining.

This Italian-inspired meatloaf combines the best of both worlds: the comforting structure of a classic American dish with the bold, vibrant flavors of Italian cuisine. The base is made from ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and Italian herbs. The twist comes in the stuffing—layers of spinach, roasted red peppers, and mozzarella cheese. As it bakes, the flavors meld into a juicy, tender loaf with a molten cheesy core. Finished with marinara sauce, this dish is rich, flavorful, and satisfying, ideal for pairing with pasta, garlic bread, or a crisp salad.

Why This Recipe Works

Classic with a Twist: Familiar comfort food with Italian-inspired flair.
Flavorful Filling: Mozzarella, spinach, and roasted peppers create a cheesy, savory center.
Moist & Juicy: Marinara sauce keeps the loaf from drying out.
Meal-Prep Friendly: Makes excellent leftovers and sandwich fillings.
Crowd-Pleaser: Impressive presentation without added complexity.

Health Benefits

Protein-Rich: Ground beef or turkey provides high-quality protein.
Veggie Boost: Spinach and roasted peppers add vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
Balanced Carbs: Breadcrumbs add structure without overwhelming heaviness.
Calcium Source: Mozzarella adds dairy-based calcium for bone health.
Customizable: Easily made leaner with ground turkey or oats instead of breadcrumbs.

Ingredients:

For the Meatloaf Base:

2 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey for leaner option)
1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup milk

For the Filling:

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
½ cup roasted red peppers, sliced

For the Topping:

1 ½ cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil, for garnish

How to Make Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and milk until just combined. On a sheet of parchment paper, flatten the mixture into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Evenly layer spinach, roasted peppers, and mozzarella cheese on top. Roll tightly into a loaf, sealing edges. Place in a greased baking dish, spread marinara sauce over the top, and bake 50–60 minutes. Sprinkle extra mozzarella for the last 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil and slice to serve.

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Meatloaf Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian-style breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and milk. Use clean hands or a wooden spoon to mix until ingredients are just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the meatloaf dense.
Form the Rectangle:
Transfer the meat mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper. Flatten it into a large rectangle, about ½ inch thick. This will form the outer layer of your meatloaf.
Add the Filling:
Evenly spread the chopped spinach across the surface of the meat rectangle. Add the roasted red pepper slices, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top. Leave a small border around the edges to prevent the filling from spilling out.
Roll the Meatloaf:
Starting from the shorter end, carefully roll the meat rectangle into a tight loaf, using the parchment paper to help guide it. Pinch and seal the edges well to keep the filling enclosed.
Bake the Meatloaf:
Place the rolled loaf seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Add Final Topping:
In the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese over the loaf. Return to the oven until the cheese melts and turns golden.
Rest and Serve:
Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve with extra marinara on the side.

Cook & Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Nutrition Information (per serving, 8 servings)

Calories: 420
Protein: 34g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 820mg

Serving with Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

Serve slices of this Stuffed Italian Meatloaf warm, with marinara spooned over the top for extra richness. Pair it with classic Italian sides like spaghetti aglio e olio, garlic bread, or a crisp green salad. For a lighter approach, roasted vegetables or sautéed zucchini make perfect companions. Leftovers can be sliced thin for sandwiches with fresh basil and extra sauce. This dish is cozy enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for guests—each slice reveals a beautiful swirl of mozzarella, spinach, and peppers, making it as visually stunning as it is delicious.

Pro Tips & Variations

Cheese Options: Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a stronger flavor.
Ground Turkey: Use turkey for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
Add Herbs: Fresh basil or oregano mixed into the meat base enhances aroma.
Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.
Mini Loaves: Divide mixture into smaller loaves for faster baking and easy portioning.
Make Ahead: Assemble meatloaf, cover, and refrigerate overnight; bake the next day.

The Bottom Line

The Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Mozzarella & Spinach is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be ordinary. By adding layers of gooey cheese, vibrant spinach, and sweet roasted peppers, this dish becomes a centerpiece worthy of family gatherings or special dinners. For me, it represents everything I love about cooking—taking a familiar recipe and transforming it with creativity and flavor. Each slice tells a story of hearty tradition, modern flair, and indulgence wrapped in one. Whether served fresh from the oven or enjoyed as leftovers, it’s comfort food reimagined.

Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Mozzarella & Spinach – A Comfort Food Classic with a Twist