Little Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatloaves for a Comforting Dinner

These Little Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatloaves take classic comfort food to the next level with a smoky, cheesy filling and a rich balsamic glaze. The blend of beef, pork, and veal keeps them juicy, while the pancetta (optional) adds a savory touch. Serve with warm marinara sauce for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Meatloaves:

• 1 ½ pounds meatloaf mix (ground beef, pork, and veal)

• 1 medium onion, grated

• ½ cup panko (or regular bread crumbs)

• 1 large egg, beaten

• ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 4 thin slices pancetta (optional)

• 4 small squares smoked mozzarella (about 2 ounces total)

Glaze:

• ¼ cup tomato paste

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 cups hot marinara sauce (jarred or homemade)

Directions

Preheat the Oven

• Set oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

• In a large bowl, gently mix together meatloaf mix, onion, bread crumbs, egg, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper.

• Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.

Shape the Loaves

• If using pancetta, place slices on the baking sheet.

• Divide the meatloaf mixture into 4 equal portions.

• Press a piece of smoked mozzarella into the center of each portion and wrap the meat around it to enclose.

• Shape each portion into a flat round disk (using a round cutter if available).

Glaze and Bake

• Whisk together tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil.

• Spread about 1 tablespoon of glaze over each meatloaf.

• Bake at 425°F for 10 minutes, then lower the heat to 325°F and bake for 15 more minutes, until cooked through.

Serve

• Spoon hot marinara sauce onto each plate and place the meatloaves on top.

• Enjoy with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Surprise: Smoked mozzarella melts inside for a gooey, flavorful bite.
Rich and Savory: Pancetta and balsamic glaze add depth to every bite.
Perfectly Portioned: Mini meatloaves cook faster and make serving easy.

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