Stuffed Meatloaf

Stuffed meatloaf is a delicious twist on the classic meatloaf recipe, where a flavorful filling is added to the center of the meatloaf. The filling can consist of various ingredients, such as cheese, vegetables, or other savory ingredients. Here’s a basic recipe for stuffed meatloaf:

Ingredients:

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 pounds ground beef (or a mixture of beef and pork)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Filling:

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
• 1 cup sautéed spinach or mushrooms (optional)
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them sit for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs have absorbed the milk.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
4. Divide the meat mixture in half. Take one half and shape it into a rectangle on a sheet of parchment paper or aluminum foil, making sure it’s slightly larger than the filling you plan to add.
5. Layer the shredded cheese and any other desired filling ingredients (sauteed spinach, mushrooms, bacon, etc.) over the meat rectangle, leaving a border around the edges.
6. Take the other half of the meat mixture and shape it into another rectangle, then carefully place it over the filling.
7. Press the edges of the top and bottom meat layers together to seal the meatloaf.
8. Transfer the stuffed meatloaf, still on the parchment paper or aluminum foil, to a baking sheet or a baking dish.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
10. Once cooked, remove the stuffed meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
11. Slice the meatloaf into portions and serve. It’s delicious with additional ketchup or gravy if desired.

Enjoy your homemade stuffed meatloaf! It’s a comforting and flavorful dish that’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table. Feel free to customize the filling to your taste.