Cheesy Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatloaf with Savory Brown Gravy

Cheesy Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatloaf with Savory Brown Gravy

ByVerj Recipes

There are certain dinners that just feel like home, and meatloaf is high on that list. It’s cozy, familiar, and somehow always tastes like a warm hug — especially when it comes out of the oven smelling like garlic, onions, and something rich and savory bubbling away.

But this one has a little surprise tucked inside. Slice into it and you get that dreamy mozzarella pull — melty, stretchy, and totally irresistible. Then you spoon warm brown gravy over the top and it turns into the kind of comfort food people talk about for days. It’s perfect for Sunday dinner, a chilly weeknight, or anytime you want a meal that makes everyone slow down and savor.

Cheesy Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatloaf with Savory Brown Gravy

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

  • 2 pounds ground beef

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 small onion, finely diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/2 cup whole milk

  • 1/4 cup ketchup

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

For the Topping

  • 1/2 cup marinara or tomato sauce

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Savory Brown Gravy

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 2 cups beef broth

  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan, or line a baking sheet with parchment paper if you prefer a more free-form loaf.

2. Mix the meatloaf base

In a large bowl, add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, diced onion, minced garlic, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Mix gently — just until everything comes together. Try not to overwork it. Overmixing makes meatloaf dense, and we want this one tender and juicy.

3. Stuff it with mozzarella

Press half of the meat mixture into your prepared pan. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to make a shallow “well” down the center.

Fill that space evenly with shredded mozzarella. (This is the moment you know dinner’s going to be good.)

Now add the remaining meat mixture on top and gently press it down, sealing the edges really well so the cheese stays tucked inside instead of escaping.

4. Bake

Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

You’ll start to notice the edges sizzling a little, and the whole kitchen will smell rich and savory.

5. Add the topping

Remove the meatloaf from the oven. Spread marinara sauce over the top, then sprinkle on the shredded mozzarella.

Return it to the oven for 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly — those golden spots on top are the best part.

6. Make the brown gravy

While the meatloaf rests, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, until it turns lightly golden and smells a bit nutty.

Slowly whisk in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Keep whisking as it simmers so it stays smooth. In 3–5 minutes, it should thicken into a pourable gravy.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Rest and slice

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold together and keeps all the juices where they belong.

Slice into thick pieces, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve with warm gravy spooned over the top.

Presentation

For that “wow” moment, slice the meatloaf and fan the pieces slightly on a platter so the mozzarella center peeks out. Spoon a little gravy over the top and let the rest sit in a small pitcher or bowl on the side — it looks inviting and lets everyone add more (and they will).

A little extra parsley on top makes it look fresh and bright. And if you want to make it a full comfort-food spread, serve it with:

  • creamy mashed potatoes (gravy + mashed potatoes = perfection)

  • buttered green beans or roasted broccoli

  • a simple side salad for crunch

  • warm rolls to mop up the gravy

Nutritional Information:

  • ⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

  • 🔥 Kcal: ~650 kcal per serving | 🍽️ Servings: 6 servings

Conclusion

This Cheesy Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatloaf is classic comfort food with a fun, melty twist. It’s hearty, satisfying, and full of cozy flavors — and that cheese pull in the center makes it feel extra special, even on an ordinary night.

If you’re craving a dinner that fills the kitchen with good smells and the table with happy people, make this soon. Just don’t be surprised when someone asks for seconds… and then requests it again next week.

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