If the words Stuffed Italian Meatloaf make your mouth water, honey, you’re not alone. Around here, meatloaf isn’t just something you throw together with leftovers and pray your kids eat. This version is packed, rolled, and bursting with Italian flavor—think of it like a hug from Nonna, if Nonna also had a thing for spicy ham and gooey mozzarella.
This stuffed meatloaf is what I call a “no-fuss, all-flavor” dinner. It looks fancy, tastes indulgent, and still comes together without you losing your evening to the kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinner parties, or just a cozy night in when you need something hearty and soul-soothing.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
Ladies (and the gents who know what’s good), this isn’t your mama’s meatloaf—unless your mama also layered hers with fresh spinach, spicy ham, and mozzarella cheese before rolling it up like a savory jelly roll. This is the kind of dish that turns skeptics into believers and makes regular Italian meatloaf recipes feel a little… underdressed.
It’s also:
- A crowd-pleaser
- A good meatloaf recipe for picky eaters
- Delicious hot out of the oven or as leftovers (hello, meatloaf sandwich!)
Ingredients
- Ground beef: The hearty base of our loaf, rich and filling.
- Romano cheese: Adds sharpness and depth.
- Italian bread crumbs: Helps bind everything and adds classic herby flavor.
- Chopped garlic: Because it wouldn’t be Italian without it.
- Eggs: Keep it all together like a loving embrace.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts like a dream, both inside and on top.
- Fresh spinach: A touch of green for balance (and a little health halo).
- Hot ham: Adds a spicy, salty kick that wakes up the loaf.
- Marinara sauce: A tangy, tomatoey crown for the final bake.
Note: Full measurements are right below in the printable recipe card!
How to Make Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. This lets the oven get cozy while you prep.
- Mix it up: In a large bowl, combine your ground beef, garlic, eggs, Romano cheese, and bread crumbs. Use your hands—they’re your best tools!
- Flatten it out: Lay the mixture onto parchment paper and press it into a large rectangle. Think lasagna base, not pizza dough.
- Layer the love: First, add a layer of hot ham. Next comes the fresh spinach. Finish with that luscious mozzarella.
- Roll & seal: Use the parchment to help roll it up tight, jelly-roll style. Pinch the ends to keep all that goodness inside.
- Bake round one: Place the roll in a baking dish and bake for 60 minutes.
- Top & finish: Take it out, spoon over marinara, sprinkle extra mozzarella on top, and pop it back in for another 15 minutes.
- Serve and swoon: Let it rest a minute before slicing. This beefy beauty deserves a moment.
Cooking Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
- Use parchment paper: It’s your secret weapon for rolling. No sticking, no crying.
- Don’t overwork the meat: Mix just until combined. Overmixing = tough loaf.
- Let it rest before slicing: Give it 5-10 minutes to settle. This helps keep all those juices where they belong.
A Little Backstory…
I first made this stuffed Italian meatloaf after a wild Sunday grocery run. I had ground beef, leftover ham, and a stubborn craving for lasagna but no time to make it. This rolled-up miracle was born, and y’all, it quickly became one of my family’s most requested dinners. It’s like a casserole, a meatloaf, and a pizza all had a glorious baby.
FAQs
Can I substitute the hot ham? Absolutely. Regular deli ham works great. For something smoky, try prosciutto or pancetta.
Can I use frozen spinach? Sure can. Just thaw it and squeeze out all the extra moisture so your loaf doesn’t go soggy.
How do I store leftovers? Wrap slices in foil or an airtight container. They keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Also makes a killer sandwich.
Is this good for a meatloaf dinner party? Oh, honey, yes. Slice it thick, serve with roasted veggies or a green salad, and listen to the oohs and ahhs.
Whether you’re craving beef recipes for dinner or simply looking for your next best meatloaf, this one is a keeper. Stuffed, rolled, and dripping with flavor, it’s the kind of meal that makes a regular Tuesday night feel like a celebration.
Pull out your baking dish, and let’s make something special tonight.
Print
This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf Will Make You Rethink Your Weeknight Dinners
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is packed with seasoned beef, spicy ham, gooey mozzarella, and fresh spinach—then baked to perfection with marinara.
Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
2 cups grated Romano cheese
1 cup Italian bread crumbs
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 large eggs
10 slices mozzarella cheese
2 cups fresh spinach leaves
1/2 pound hot deli ham
1 cup marinara sauce
Extra mozzarella for topping (about 1/2 cup)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, garlic, eggs, Romano cheese, and bread crumbs.
3. Lay a piece of parchment paper on your counter and flatten the meat mixture into a large, even rectangle.
4. Layer the hot ham evenly over the beef mixture.
5. Add a layer of fresh spinach leaves on top of the ham.
6. Place mozzarella slices across the spinach layer.
7. Using the parchment paper to assist, gently roll the meat mixture like a jelly roll and pinch the edges to seal.
8. Carefully transfer the meatloaf to a large baking dish, seam side down.
9. Bake uncovered for 60 minutes.
10. Remove from oven, pour marinara sauce over the top, and sprinkle with extra mozzarella.
11. Return to oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
12. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
You can use regular ham or prosciutto if you prefer a milder or smokier flavor.
Frozen spinach works too—just thaw and squeeze out the liquid first.
Leftovers make an amazing sandwich the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1080mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: Stuffed Italian Meatloaf, Italian Meatloaf Recipes, Dinner With Ground Beef, Beef Recipes For Dinner