Ingredients
1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
1 pound ground Italian sausage (optional)
1 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free alternative)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1 cup spinach (optional)
1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage (if using), breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and spinach (if using).
- On a parchment-lined baking sheet, flatten the meat mixture into a rectangle about ½ inch thick.
- Spread the cheese filling evenly over the meat, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Using the parchment paper, gently roll the meat into a log, fully enclosing the filling. Seal the edges tightly.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Remove from the oven and spread marinara sauce on top.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Try provolone, cheddar, or fontina cheese as alternatives for the filling.
- Add finely chopped vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Use spicy sausage and red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
- Ensure the meatloaf is sealed well to prevent cheese from leaking out.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
