Why does my meatloaf fall apart?
There can be many reasons why your meatloaf falls apart. The most common reason is that your meatloaf doesn’t have enough binding agents. To help your meatloaf stay together add things in like eggs and bread crumbs because they are key ingredients that bind meat and help the loaf stick together. Another reason why your meatloaf may be falling apart is that it is overcooked.
Do I have to use mozzarella? Can I make stuffed meatloaf with other types of cheese?
Fresh mozzarella cheese produces an amazing melted cheese center for cheese stuffed meatloaf. You can also use bricks of mozzarella cheese, or even shredded, but be warned that they don’t melt as well as the fresh mozzarella cheese balls do. In addition to mozzarella, you can also experiment with other types of cheese. Cheddar is always a classic choice, but feel free to be more adventurous with cheeses like pepper jack, provolone, havarti, gouda, and more!
Is it okay if my meatloaf is a little pink?
Don’t be fooled into over cooking your meatloaf just because there is a small pink spot. The color of your meatloaf will not tell you if it is done or if it is safe to eat. To tell if your meatloaf is fully cooked and safe to eat you need to take its internal temperature. For ground beef to be safe and fully cooked, it needs to reach an internal minimum temperature of 160 Fahrenheit. If your meatloaf is just a little pink but is 160 Fahrenheit, you are ready to eat.
Watch the video below where Rachel will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, Facebook Watch, or our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.
Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella sliced
Glaze
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar tightly packed
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- pinch cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a glass baking pan (9x13) with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl combine ground beef, bread crumbs, basil, oregano, parsley, salt, pepper, milk, and worcestershire sauce. Knead until combined.
- Divide meat in half. Shape one half of the meat into the bottom half of the loaf and place in prepared pan. Place mozzarella slices down the center, leaving 1/2 inch around the ends and sides. Shape remaining half of meat as the top half of the loaf, sealing the edges. This is a free-form loaf so it doesn't need to be perfect.
- In a small mixing bowl whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper. Pour half of this mixture over the meatloaf, reserving the remaining half for later.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- After 45 minutes, remove from oven and pour the remaining sauce over the loaf. Increase temperature to 400 degrees and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Let rest 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
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Tamara Constanza says
I will definitely be making this again.
AmyLynn says
I am thinking about making this in a round spring form pan and cutting it like pie slices when done.
Sarah says
Can i freeze this?
Michele Robertson says
Delicious. Easy to make and economical. Family love it
Suzanne says
This was so good ! I used the meatball mix from the butcher that has ground beef and pork.
I normally make meatloaf in a loaf pan and not the 9×13. So much better with the larger pan !
Bonnie Wallace says
This is my favorite recipe! Do you think it could be made in a instant pot?
Rachel (The Stay At Home Chef) says
I would not use an Instant pot for this recipe.
Tijuana Jenkins says
This was so delicious. I will definitely make it again. I used ground turkey so I probably shouldn’t have cooked it as long but it looked exactly as pictured and tasted better than I imagined it would.
Mary says
This recipe has become a family favorite!!! We love the flavor….who knew meatloaf could be so fabulous?!
Cheryl says
This is so easy to make and is delicious. It is my go to meal when I take dinner to friends or church socials. Everyone loves it!
Brooke Fitzpatrick says
Omg my husband made this for us and it was delicious !
Wade Richardson says
Made it add libbed a little the 2nd time Monterey Jack cheese instead of Mozzarella my kid loves it
Brittany says
This recipe is AMAZING. I use tomato paste instead of ketchup and 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning instead of the 1 teaspoon each basil/oregano/parsley. I also use a rounded tablespoon of minced garlic when I don’t have fresh garlic on hand. Comes out delicious every time!
DaniFraniFree says
I made this tonight and it was delicious! To quote my husband “the regular bites are really good but the cheesy bites are amazing! Will definitely make again!!