Spinach Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe

 

Spinach Stuffed Meatloaf: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food

Meatloaf is a timeless comfort food—warm, hearty, and satisfying. But what if you could take this classic dish and elevate it with a nutritious, flavorful surprise inside? Enter Spinach Stuffed Meatloaf, a delicious combination of juicy ground meat and a savory, cheesy spinach filling that makes every bite unforgettable. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions, this recipe proves that meatloaf can be both comforting and elegant.

Here’s how to make it perfectly every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe serves about 4–6 people:

For the Meatloaf:

• 500g (1 lb) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 1 egg

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika

For the Spinach Filling:

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (or cream cheese)

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for warmth)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Glaze (optional):

• 1/4 cup ketchup or tomato sauce

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach Filling

1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly sauté the spinach until wilted.

2. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

3. In a bowl, combine the spinach with ricotta, Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Tip: If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess water to avoid a soggy filling.

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Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.

2. Mix gently with your hands until all ingredients are just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the meatloaf dense.

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Step 3: Assemble the Meatloaf

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. On a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a loaf pan, shape half of the meat mixture into a rectangle about 1 inch thick.

3. Spread the spinach filling evenly over the meat layer, leaving a small border on the edges.

4. Carefully cover with the remaining meat mixture and seal the edges to enclose the filling.

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Step 4: Add the Glaze (Optional)

1. In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard.

2. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf for a sweet, tangy finish.

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Step 5: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 45–55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 70°C (160°F).

2. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute and the filling to set.

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Tips for Perfect Spinach Stuffed Meatloaf

• Prevent sogginess: Squeeze excess water from spinach and avoid adding too much milk to the meat mixture.

• Use a meat thermometer: Ensures the meatloaf is fully cooked without drying out.

• Rest before slicing: Helps maintain the stuffed layer and makes neat slices.

• Customize your filling: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

Spinach stuffed meatloaf pairs beautifully with:

• Mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes – Classic comfort food pairing.

• Steamed vegetables or a green salad – Balances the richness of the meatloaf.

• Rice or quinoa – A healthy, filling side.

• Gravy or sauce – Tomato-based sauce, mushroom gravy, or even a yogurt-dill sauce works beautifully.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutritious – Spinach adds vitamins, minerals, and a pop of color.

• Family-friendly – Hidden veggies make it ideal for kids.

• Flavor-packed – Juicy meat combined with cheesy spinach keeps every bite exciting.

• Make-ahead friendly – Prepare in advance and refrigerate or freeze for later.

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Fun Variations

1. Cheese Lovers – Add mozzarella slices to the spinach filling for extra gooeyness.

2. Italian Style – Incorporate basil, oregano, and tomato sauce in the filling.

3. Low-carb – Skip breadcrumbs and use almond flour or cooked quinoa instead.

4. Spicy Kick – Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling.

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Conclusion

Spinach Stuffed Meatloaf takes a classic dish and transforms it into a gourmet, yet comforting, meal. With juicy meat, savory spinach filling, and optional cheesy glaze, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests. Not only is it flavorful, but it also sneaks in a healthy dose of greens, making it a win-win for everyone at the table.

Whether you stick with the classic recipe or experiment with your favorite flavors, this stuffed meatloaf is sure to become a family favorite.