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Best Stuffed Italian Meatloaf with Ricotta Cheese

This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf transforms classic comfort food into a gourmet centerpiece. Packed with ricotta, provolone, herbs, and marinara, this flavorful twist delivers rich Italian satisfaction with every slice.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 485
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds ground beef 80/20
  • 0.5 pound ground Italian sausage
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup milk or cream
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg for filling
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 ounces provolone cheese slices
  • Salt and pepper to taste for filling
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • Pinch red pepper flakes optional

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Combine beef, sausage, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, milk, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
  3. In another bowl, mix ricotta, Parmesan, egg, parsley, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  4. Press half the meat mixture into a 12x8-inch rectangle on the baking sheet.
  5. Layer provolone slices down the center and spread ricotta mixture on top, leaving a 1-inch border.
  6. Cover with remaining meat mixture and seal edges well.
  7. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on top and bake 60–75 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  8. Rest 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve with remaining warmed marinara.

Notes

Avoid overmixing the meat to keep texture tender. Seal edges firmly to prevent cheese leakage. Resting the meatloaf before slicing is essential for perfect slices.