Cheesy Pepperoni Meatloaf
A deliciously cheesy meatloaf filled with pepperoni and mozzarella, topped with zesty pizza sauce.
Equipment
- 9”x5” loaf pan For shaping the meatloaf.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 0.5 cup pepperoni, chopped
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 0.75 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 0.33 cup milk
- 0.5 tbsp seasoned salt
- 2.5 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 32 oz pizza sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 0.125 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9”x5” loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped pepperoni, parsley, minced garlic, eggs, breadcrumbs, milk, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the meat mixture into a loaf that fits the pan. Use your hand to create a horizontal well down the center of the meatloaf, wide enough to hold the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Fill the well with the mozzarella cheese and seal the opening with the meat mixture, ensuring no cheese is exposed.
- Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part; it should read at least 165°F (74°C).
- While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the pizza sauce, chopped parsley, garlic powder, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook over medium heat until it begins to bubble, then reduce the heat to low, stirring occasionally.
- Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Carefully lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper and place it on a serving platter.
- Ladle the warm sauce over the meatloaf and garnish with additional parsley. Slice and serve!
Notes
For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can substitute the mozzarella cheese with your favorite cheese for a different flavor. Serve with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option.