Make the dinner table more inviting with a stuffed meatball meatloaf. It is loaded with pesto and cheese and topped with marinara for a fabulous entrée.
If your family loves meat, cheese and Italian inspired food they are going to live this meatloaf. It is loaded with melty gooey cheese and tastes like a giant meatball.
One of the fun things about meatloaf is there are unlimited ways to make it. There are so many fun flavor combinations and mix ins you can add.
We love making a meal of it with mini sheet pan meatloaves. The sides cook right with the meat, so it is a great dinner option.
But I think one of our favorite meatloaf recipes of all time is stuffed chicken Parmesan meatloaf. MiMi introduced us to it quite a few years ago and it has been a hit ever since.
A couple of years ago she made a ground beef version that reminded me of the best kind of meatball, just super sized. It was really good and I was anxious to share it with you.
I am not sure why it took me so long to get around to it, but it is better late than never. So I am finally sharing the recipe with you!
Make a little spaghetti or other pasta as a side dish and add a salad or broccoli or something and the meal is ready. It makes a great family meal or can even be a special occasion menu item.
Tips and Tricks
Feel free to assemble the meatloaf ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it. Just take it out of yhe fridge while you preheat the oven to take some of the chill off.
You can also make two meatloaves at once to save one for later. Meatloaf can be frozen raw or cooked for an easy meal later.
To cook a frozen raw meatloaf, put it in the refrigerator the night before to defrost then bake. To cook a frozen cooked meatloaf, defrost it overnight then cover with foil and gently reheat until the cheese is melty.
Your hands are the perfect tool for mixing the meat mixture. They get the flavors mixed in well without overworking the meat.
Patting the meat mixture on a layer of plastic wrap will help you to roll the mixture around the cheese center. It will help to keep it from cracking and falling apart as you go.
More great Italian inspired ground beef recipes
My Maw-Maw’s Velveeta lasagna has a few surprising ingredients that likely make it a bit different from the one you grew up with, but it is so delicious. You have to make some for dinner soon!
No boil baked ziti has all of the flavor you love in a good ziti, but with less prep work. You don’t have to boil the noodles or brown the meat.
Quick and easy pizza burgers are a nostalgic meal that will remind you of childhood. They are also a delicious way to get dinner on the table in a hurry.
Make a dinnertime favorite even quick and easier! The instant pot is a great way to make creamy spaghetti and meatballs with minimal dishes and effort. Or whip up a no boil rigatoni and meatballs bake, it’s a low prep big flavor meal.
Ground beef penne pasta bake is an easy meal to make for the entire family. It’ll fill everyone up and you’ll have plenty leftover.
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a review in the recipe card.
Stuffed Meatball Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1 cup pesto
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 2 eggs slightly beaten
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Mix ground beef, bread crumbs, eggs, parmesan cheese.2 pounds ground beef, 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs, 2 eggs, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Place a piece of plastic wrap on the counter. Dump meatloaf mixture onto wrap and pat into a 9" x 13" rectangle.
- Spread the pesto over the meatloaf mixture. Leave an inch on the long side farthest from you and the two ends. Top with 2 cups of mozzarella.1 cup pesto
- Using the plastic wrap to help, roll the meatloaf into a log. Lightly press on the ends and along the seam to seal in the yummy goodness,
- Place on parchment paper lined rimmed baking sheet, seam side down.
- Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and top with marinara and remaining cup of mozzarella. Bake until cheese is melty.2 cups marinara sauce
Andrea Nine
Friday 20th of August 2021
Such a great idea and fabulous comfort food at it’s best! I cannot wait to try it. Have a sweet weekend.
Carlee
Friday 20th of August 2021
Thank you!