Let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food—the stuffed meatloaf roll! This dish brings back so many warm memories of family dinners, and honestly, it’s hard to beat that savory flavor with a cheesy, veggie-packed surprise in every slice. I remember the first time I made it; the kitchen was filled with the most incredible aroma, and I just couldn’t wait to dig in. Trust me, rolling up the meatloaf with all those delicious fillings feels like a little culinary adventure! It’s not just a meal; it’s a heartwarming experience that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s so easy to customize with your favorite veggies or cheeses! You’re gonna love it!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef (I prefer using lean ground beef for a healthier option!)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (This helps hold everything together, trust me!)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (For that savory kick!)
- 1/4 cup chopped onion (Adds great flavor—don’t skip it!)
- 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper (I love using red or yellow for a pop of color!)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (Because who doesn’t love melty cheese?)
- 1 egg (Helps bind the mixture and keep it moist)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (Fresh garlic is a must for that aromatic flavor!)
- 1 tsp salt (Adjust to taste, but it really brings everything together!)
- 1/2 tsp pepper (A little kick to balance the flavors!)
- 1/4 cup ketchup (For a sweet and tangy topping—yum!)
How to Prepare Stuffed Meatloaf Roll
Now, let’s get into the fun part—making this delicious stuffed meatloaf roll! I promise, the process is straightforward and totally rewarding. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a scrumptious dish in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want your meatloaf roll to start cooking evenly as soon as it hits the oven.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, shredded mozzarella cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. I like to use my hands for this part—just get in there and mix everything until well combined. It’s so satisfying!
- Next, on a parchment-lined baking sheet, shape your meat mixture into a rectangle, about 1-inch thick. Don’t worry if it looks a bit rustic—it’s gonna taste amazing!
- Spread that luscious ketchup over the top of the meat mixture, making sure to cover it evenly. This adds a nice sweet and tangy flavor that’s just divine!
- Now, here comes the fun part—roll the meatloaf tightly from one long side to the other, creating a beautiful log shape. Pinch the ends to seal it up so all that cheesy goodness stays inside.
- Place your stuffed meatloaf roll in the oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until it’s cooked through and browned on top. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen smells heavenly!
- Once it’s done, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, making every bite tender and juicy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights!
- The flavors are out of this world—savory beef, melty cheese, and fresh veggies wrapped in one delicious roll.
- It’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra vegetables for the kiddos (or adults!) without them even noticing.
- This stuffed meatloaf roll is a total crowd-pleaser that will impress your family and friends at the dinner table.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it great for meal prep!
- It’s super versatile—feel free to customize the filling with your favorite cheeses and veggies!
FAQ Section
Common Questions About Stuffed Meatloaf Roll
Can I use different meats? Absolutely! While I love using ground beef for this stuffed meatloaf roll, you can easily swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. Just remember that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the meat you choose.
What can I serve with meatloaf? Oh, there are so many delicious options! I recommend pairing your stuffed meatloaf roll with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh side salad. It’s all about balancing those savory flavors!
Can I make this ahead of time? Definitely! You can prepare the meat mixture and roll it up, then cover it tightly and refrigerate it for a few hours or even overnight. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake, and you’ll have a fantastic meal with minimal fuss!
How do I know when the meatloaf is done? The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. You want it to reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). If you don’t have one, just make sure it’s nicely browned on the outside and juices run clear when you slice into it.
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can! Just let the stuffed meatloaf roll cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can last up to 2 months. To reheat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it in the oven until heated through.
Tips for Success
To make sure your stuffed meatloaf roll turns out absolutely perfect every time, here are some of my favorite tips that I’ve picked up along the way!
- Use Lean Ground Beef: I recommend opting for lean ground beef, as it helps reduce excess fat and keeps your meatloaf from being greasy. You still get all that delicious flavor without the heaviness!
- Experiment with Vegetables: Don’t hesitate to get creative with the veggies! You can add shredded carrots, spinach, or even mushrooms for an extra flavor punch. Just chop them finely so they blend in nicely!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to a dense meatloaf. Just mix until everything is combined and then stop—easy peasy!
- Let It Rest: After baking, give your meatloaf roll a chance to rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every slice is juicy and tender.
- Try Different Cheeses: Feel free to mix up the cheeses! Cheddar, pepper jack, or even feta can add a delicious twist to your filling. Each cheese brings its own unique flavor!
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze and helps prevent sticking. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating a stuffed meatloaf roll that’s not just good, but absolutely irresistible!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your gorgeous stuffed meatloaf roll ready, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it to really elevate your meal! Trust me, the right sides can make all the difference in creating a comforting and satisfying dining experience.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: You can’t go wrong with a classic! The buttery, creamy texture of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the meatloaf roll. Plus, they’re great for soaking up any extra juices!
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes not only adds a pop of color to your plate but also complements the meatloaf beautifully. Just toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting!
- Fresh Side Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the meatloaf. It adds a refreshing crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the hearty roll.
- Garlic Bread: If you’re feeling a bit indulgent, serve some warm garlic bread on the side! It’s perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce and adds a delightful crunch to your meal.
- Green Beans Almondine: Sautéed green beans with toasted almonds bring a nice nutty flavor and a bit of crunch. They’re a lovely, elegant side dish that’s easy to whip up!
With these delightful sides, your stuffed meatloaf roll will shine even brighter on the dinner table, and your guests will be raving about the entire meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to store those delicious leftovers! I know it’s tempting to just leave them out, but if you want to keep that stuffed meatloaf roll tasting fresh, proper storage is key.
To store, simply let the meatloaf roll cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. This will help keep all those wonderful flavors locked in! You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, go ahead and freeze it! Just make sure to wrap it really well to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is a breeze. If you’ve frozen it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. For reheating, I recommend popping it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes or until it’s heated through. This helps maintain that lovely texture. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave—just cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist and heat in short bursts, checking often. But honestly, the oven gives the best results!
With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your stuffed meatloaf roll just like it was freshly made, time and time again!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, I know many of you like to keep an eye on what you’re eating, so here’s a little breakdown of the estimated nutritional values for a slice of this delicious stuffed meatloaf roll. Just keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so take them as a rough guideline rather than exact figures.
- Calories: Approximately 320
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 25g
With all those hearty ingredients packed into each slice, you’re getting a great source of protein along with a good balance of flavors! Enjoy it guilt-free knowing you’re savoring a dish that’s both delicious and satisfying!
Print
Stuffed meatloaf roll: 7 Steps to Heartwarming Comfort
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A savory stuffed meatloaf roll filled with vegetables and cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 cup ketchup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, bell pepper, mozzarella cheese, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into a rectangle on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spread ketchup over the top of the meat mixture.
- Roll the meatloaf tightly from one long side to the other.
- Pinch the ends to seal the roll.
- Bake for 1 hour or until cooked through.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the filling.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or a side salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: stuffed meatloaf roll, meatloaf recipe, ground beef recipe
