The Best Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe (2024)

Say goodbye to boring meatloaf and say hello to the best meatloaf you have EVER had! This Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf is a flavorful meatloaf recipe that is made with a combination of Italian sausage, ground beef, and pizza sauce to create an insanely delicious pizza-flavored meatloaf.

This recipe for Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf was a childhood favorite of mine. My mom made what we as a family referred to as Pizza Meatloaf at least once a month when I was growing up. And after one bite, it is easy to see why this pizza meatloaf was on repeat!

Made with a combination of ground beef, Italian sausage, pizza sauce, and pizza seasonings, and then stuffed with gooey, melty cheese, this cheese-stuffed meatloaf is reminiscent of pizza not only in flavor but also in the way even the pickiest eaters devour it, and beg for second servings.

And even though it may sound complicated to stuff your meatloaf with cheese, this recipe for Pizza Meatloaf is quite easy to make. Add a side of parsley potatoes and roasted broccoli, and you will have one easy dinner recipe that YOUR family will beg you to make again and again!

Notes on Ingredients

• Ground Beef: I recommend using lean ground beef or ground turkey for this meatloaf.
• Italian Sausage: Use store-bought or homemade turkey, pork, or chicken ground Italian sausage. I recommend using mild, not hot Italian sausage so the spice level won't overwhelm the meatloaf.
• Pizza Sauce: If you don't have pizza sauce on hand, feel free to use a good quality jarred spaghetti sauce or homemade spaghetti sauce.
• Breadcrumbs: Use unseasoned bread crumbs to help bind the meatloaf together. I prefer the texture of panko breadcrumbs, but traditional breadcrumbs work as well.
• Cheese: Shredded Mozzarella is the best cheese to stuff the meatloaf with as it melts really well and the flavor lends itself perfectly to the seasonings in the meatloaf. If you don't have Mozzarella cheese on hand, use sliced provolone cheese or a blend of shredded Italian cheese.

How to Stuff Meatloaf with Cheese

It may sound complicated to stuff meatloaf with cheese, but I promise you it is so easy to do!

• On wax or parchment paper, flatten out the meat into a rectangular shape
• Sprinkle the cheese over the center of the meat mixture.
• Roll the meatloaf into the shape of a loaf, with the cheese in the center of the loaf.

Serving Suggestions

I love to pair this pizza meatloaf with a side of Parsley Potatoes and Green Beans Almondine because that is how I grew up enjoying this meatloaf. However, it also pairs well with No-Peel Mashed Red Potatoes, Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Red Potatoes, or Grits.

Storing Leftover Meatloaf

• Refrigerate: Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Wrap the cooled meatloaf in foil and then place it into a freezer-safe bag and freeze it for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Defrost in the refrigerator if needed, unwrap the meatloaf, and warm through in a 350-degree F oven or microwave individual slices on a heat-safe plate.

More Family-Favorite Comfort-Food Recipes

• Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Noodles
• Chicken Pot Pie
• Vegetable Beef Soup
• Instant Pot Beef Stew
• Cheesy Ham and Scalloped Potatoes

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If you tried this Cheese-Stuffed Pizza Meatloaf, I would love for you to leave a comment below. I love hearing how your family enjoys these recipes!