Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf with Marinara Sauce
If you’ve ever wished meatloaf could feel a little more exciting (and a lot more cheesy), this one is about to become your new favorite. Imagine slicing into a warm, savory meatloaf and finding a gooey ribbon of melted mozzarella and cheddar tucked right in the center. Then it’s topped with marinara sauce and a bubbly, golden layer of cheese — basically meatloaf meets cozy Italian comfort food, and it’s so satisfying.
This is the perfect dinner for nights when you want something hearty and homey, but still a little “wow.” It smells incredible while it bakes — garlicky, herby, and rich — and it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone sneak into the kitchen to peek at the oven.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
1½ pounds ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
1/3 cup milk
For the Cheesy Filling:
8 slices mozzarella cheese
4 slices cheddar or provolone cheese
For the Topping & Sauce:
1½ cups marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a loaf pan or baking tray with parchment paper. (This makes cleanup so much easier, especially once the cheese gets bubbly.)
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, diced onion, minced garlic, milk, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Mix gently, just until it comes together. You don’t want to overmix — that’s how you keep it tender.
Press half of the meat mixture into your prepared pan, shaping it into an even layer. Think of it as building a cozy little base for the cheesy center.
Now layer the mozzarella and cheddar (or provolone) slices over the meat, leaving a small border around the edges. That little border matters — it helps keep the cheese from escaping while it bakes.
Add the remaining meat mixture on top. Press gently to seal the edges and smooth the surface so it bakes evenly.
Spread the marinara sauce over the top like a thick, savory blanket.
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes.
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan over the top. Return it to the oven for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden in spots.
Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps everything hold together — and it gives the cheese a moment to settle so you get those perfect, dramatic slices.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with extra marinara if you like.
Presentation
For the prettiest slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts — it helps you get that beautiful cheesy center without dragging it. A sprinkle of parsley adds freshness and color, and a little extra Parmesan on top never hurts.
Serve it with mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables. And if you’re feeling extra cozy, warm bread on the side for scooping up marinara is always a good idea.
Nutritional Information:
⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
🔥 Kcal: ~560 kcal per serving | 🍽️ Servings: 6 servings
Conclusion
This cheesy stuffed meatloaf takes everything you love about classic comfort food and gives it a melty, saucy upgrade. It’s hearty, flavorful, and honestly just fun to serve — because that cheesy center gets a reaction every time.
If you’re craving something warm, filling, and guaranteed to make dinner feel special, try this soon. You’ll be counting down to leftovers. 💛