Go Back

Stuffed Meatloaf

Stuffed meatloaf with a colorful spiral of cheese, spinach, and roasted red pepper through the center. This rolled meatloaf bakes until juicy, slices cleanly, and reveals a melted mozzarella swirl.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
rest 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

Meatloaf
  • 2 lb ground beef
  • 0.6667 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 eggs
  • 0.3333 cup milk
  • 1 onion small, grated
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste
Filling
  • 1 cup fresh spinach wilted and squeezed dry
  • 0.5 cup roasted red peppers patted dry and sliced
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
Glaze
  • 0.3333 cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Preheat and mix the meatloaf
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the oven rack in the middle so the loaf bakes evenly.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, grated onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix just until evenly combined with no dry breadcrumb pockets.
Roll into a stuffed loaf
  1. Lay plastic wrap or parchment on a flat surface and press the meat mixture into a 10x12 inch rectangle. Press firmly to form a cohesive layer with even thickness.
  2. Layer the wilted spinach, sliced roasted red peppers, and shredded mozzarella over the surface, leaving a 1-inch border. Distribute so the filling can create a continuous spiral when sliced.
  3. Roll tightly into a log using the plastic wrap, then seal the ends and place seam-side down in a loaf pan. Press lightly as you roll so the filling stays inside.
Glaze and bake
  1. Spread the glaze (ketchup and brown sugar) over the top of the meatloaf. Make sure it reaches the corners for a caramelized finish.
  2. Bake at 350°F for 60–70 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. You should see the glaze set and lightly darken, and juices should run clear when tested.
Rest and slice
  1. Rest the stuffed meatloaf for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the spiral hold together so the melted cheese and peppers stay visible in the cut.

Notes

For the cleanest spiral slices, use a meat thermometer to pull the loaf right at 160°F and let it rest the full 10 minutes. Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to 4 days; freeze slices in an airtight container for up to 2 months (thaw overnight in the fridge). For a lighter option, swap half the ground beef for ground turkey while keeping the same seasoning and baking time.