Introduction:
If you love the comforting flavors of meatloaf and the indulgent goodness of pizza, then you’re in for a treat! Introducing Stuffed Pizza Meatloaf—the ultimate fusion of two beloved dishes. This dish takes the best of both worlds, combining a classic meatloaf with the delicious layers of pizza toppings—think gooey mozzarella cheese, savory pepperoni, and rich tomato sauce. It’s a hearty, flavorful meal that the whole family will love. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or hosting a family gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit.
The beauty of this stuffed meatloaf lies in its versatility. You can use your favorite pizza toppings to customize the stuffing and give it your personal touch. This recipe combines a delicious meatloaf base with a cheesy, flavorful pizza-inspired filling, making it a mouthwatering choice for dinner. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to prepare this stuffed pizza meatloaf, along with helpful tips and variations to make it perfect every time.
Ingredients for Stuffed Pizza Meatloaf
Before you dive into making this delicious Stuffed Pizza Meatloaf, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to bring this hearty dish to life. The ingredients are simple, yet they combine to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 lb ground beef (you can use lean beef for a leaner option)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for greasing the baking sheet)
For the Pizza Stuffing:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup pepperoni, sliced or chopped (or any other pizza toppings you prefer)
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 cup bell peppers, diced (optional)
- 1/4 cup onions, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce
- 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions for Stuffed Pizza Meatloaf
Now that you have everything ready, it’s time to create this delicious stuffed pizza meatloaf. The process is simple and doesn’t take long, making it a perfect meal to prepare during the week or for a special occasion.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the meatloaf will bake evenly and give you that crispy, golden top while staying tender inside.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, and salt and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until fully combined. Make sure not to overwork the mixture, as this can lead to a dense meatloaf.
Step 3: Create the Meatloaf Base
Once the mixture is combined, transfer about two-thirds of the meatloaf mixture to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with olive oil. Use your hands to shape the meat into a rectangular or loaf shape. The goal is to form a base that will later be stuffed with pizza toppings. Leave a little bit of space on the edges to seal the meatloaf once the stuffing is added.
Step 4: Add the Pizza Stuffing
Now, it’s time to add the pizza-inspired filling. Start by spreading a generous layer of pizza sauce over the center of the meatloaf base, leaving about an inch around the edges. Then, layer on the shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by the pepperoni or your choice of pizza toppings, such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the top of the stuffing to enhance the pizza flavor.
Step 5: Roll the Meatloaf
Once the filling is in place, carefully fold the sides of the meatloaf up over the filling to encase it completely. Use your hands to gently press the edges together and seal the meatloaf. You should have a stuffed meatloaf that is neatly rolled and sealed to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
Step 6: Bake the Meatloaf
Place the stuffed meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the meatloaf is golden brown and cooked through. You can check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the center of the meatloaf—it should read 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover the meatloaf with aluminum foil and continue baking until done.
Step 7: Add the Topping
Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and top it with the remaining pizza sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. Return the meatloaf to the oven for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This step adds that extra pizza flavor and gives the meatloaf a beautiful, cheesy finish.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cheese is melted, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy meatloaf. Slice and serve with a side of vegetables, a fresh salad, or even more pizza sauce for dipping.
Cook Notes
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Pizza Meatloaf:
- Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to add a lot of filling, be careful not to overstuff the meatloaf, as it can make it harder to seal and may cause the stuffing to spill out during baking.
- Use Lean Ground Beef: For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of ground beef. Keep in mind that lean meats may produce a slightly drier meatloaf, so be sure to monitor the cooking time closely.
- Experiment with Toppings: While pepperoni is a classic pizza topping, you can get creative with other options. Try sausage, ham, bacon, or even olives for a more Mediterranean-style stuffed meatloaf.
- Rest the Meatloaf: Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the flavors to settle and ensures that the meatloaf won’t fall apart when you cut it.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatloaf in advance by assembling it and refrigerating it until you’re ready to bake. You can even freeze it before baking for a convenient make-ahead meal.
Variations of Stuffed Pizza Meatloaf
1. BBQ Stuffed Pizza Meatloaf
For a smoky twist, swap the pizza sauce for BBQ sauce. Add cheddar cheese and bacon to the stuffing for a BBQ pizza-inspired version of this meatloaf. It’s a savory alternative to the classic pizza topping.
2. Vegetarian Stuffed Pizza Meatloaf
If you’re vegetarian, you can easily make this meatloaf meatless by using vegetarian ground meat or lentils as the base. Stuff the meatloaf with mozzarella, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach for a fresh and hearty alternative.
3. Buffalo Chicken Pizza Meatloaf
For a spicy twist, use ground chicken and stuff the meatloaf with Buffalo sauce, shredded chicken, and blue cheese. This version combines the flavors of a Buffalo chicken pizza and a stuffed meatloaf for a flavorful and bold dish.
4. Keto-Friendly Stuffed Pizza Meatloaf
To make this meatloaf keto-friendly, swap the breadcrumbs for almond flour or ground pork rinds. You can also use sugar-free pizza sauce and load up on low-carb pizza toppings like pepperoni, sausage, and mozzarella.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, ground pork, or even ground chicken for the beef. Just be aware that lean meats may result in a slightly drier meatloaf, so adjust cooking times accordingly.
2. Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the meatloaf up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply pop it into the oven and cook as directed.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed pizza meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
4. Can I add more cheese inside the meatloaf?
Yes, you can add more cheese! For extra gooeyness, you can mix more mozzarella inside the meatloaf mixture, or even add cheddar cheese for a different flavor.
5. What can I serve with this meatloaf?
This stuffed pizza meatloaf pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, a green salad, or garlic bread. You can also serve it with additional pizza sauce for dipping.
Conclusion
Stuffed Pizza Meatloaf is a fun and flavorful twist on a classic dish that combines the best of both worlds—meatloaf and pizza. With its rich, cheesy filling and savory pizza toppings, this meatloaf is sure to be a family favorite. It’s easy to make, customizable with your favorite ingredients, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, a casual gathering, or just because, this recipe will become a go-to for satisfying your cravings. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a slice of heaven with every bite!
