Stuffed Italian Meatball Mini Meatloaves

 Stuffed Italian Meatball Mini Meatloaves are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional meatloaf. These mini meatloaves are stuffed with gooey melted mozzarella cheese and Italian seasonings, giving them the delicious taste of a meatball, but in a mini meatloaf form. They're perfect for individual servings and ideal for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients:

For the Meatloaf:

1 lb ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup milk

For the Stuffing:

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone)

1/4 cup marinara sauce (for stuffing)

For the Topping:

1/2 cup marinara sauce (for serving)

1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.

2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (and pork if using), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix until everything is well incorporated, but don’t overwork the meat to keep the texture tender.

3. Form the Mini Meatloaves:

1. Shape the Meatloaves: Divide the meat mixture into 6-8 equal portions (depending on how large you want the mini meatloaves). Flatten each portion into a patty or disc.

2. Add Cheese: Place a small amount of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center of each patty. Add a teaspoon of marinara sauce over the cheese.

3. Seal the Meatloaves: Carefully fold the sides of the meat over the cheese and sauce, sealing the stuffing inside. Roll them into a ball or shape into a loaf.

4. Bake the Meatloaves:

1. Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the stuffed meatloaves on the prepared baking sheet or in the muffin tin, ensuring they are not touching each other.

2. Bake: Bake the mini meatloaves in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

5. Add Toppings:

1. Top with Marinara and Cheese: In the last 5 minutes of baking, spoon a little marinara sauce over each meatloaf and top with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.

2. Melt the Cheese: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve:

1. Serve Hot: Remove the mini meatloaves from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. You can serve them with additional marinara sauce on the side and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Tips:

Add Veggies: You can add finely chopped veggies like bell peppers, onions, or spinach to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.

Use Different Cheeses: Try different melting cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for variation.

Make Ahead: These mini meatloaves can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a day before baking.

Stuffed Italian Meatball Mini Meatloaves combine the best of meatballs and meatloaf with melted mozzarella  cheese and savory seasonings, making for a comforting and flavorful meal that everyone will enjoy!