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–+ servings

Easy Italian Meatloaf Stuffed With Cheese & Ham

Rose
This easy Italian meatloaf is stuffed with savory ham, fresh spinach, and melty mozzarella, then baked with marinara for a comforting, family-friendly dinner that’s simple enough for weeknights and special enough for Sunday meals.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 500 kcal

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • parchment paper
  • baking sheet or baking dish
  • meat thermometer
  • sharp knife

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1.5–2 cups grated Romano cheese
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 lb ham, sliced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • 8–10 slices mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded or sliced (for topping)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
  • In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, garlic, Romano cheese, salt, and pepper until just combined.
  • Spread the meat mixture on parchment paper into a rectangle about ½ inch thick.
  • Layer ham evenly over the meat, add spinach, then top with mozzarella slices, leaving a small border.
  • Using the parchment, roll the meatloaf tightly into a log and pinch seams to seal.
  • Transfer seam-side down to the baking dish and bake uncovered for 60 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  • Top with marinara sauce and remaining mozzarella. Return to oven and bake 15 minutes until cheese is melted.
  • Rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to keep it intact. You can swap ham for turkey ham or mushrooms, and mozzarella for provolone. A free-form loaf on parchment gives the best texture and browning.

Nutrition

Calories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 40gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 160mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 620mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 320mgIron: 4.2mg
Keyword family dinner recipe, italian meatloaf, meatloaf with cheese, stuffed meatloaf
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