- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut off the top third of the loaf and hollow out the center, leaving a ½-inch border. (Save the bread scraps for breadcrumbs!)
2. Make the Meatloaf Filling 🥩
- In a bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and ketchup until well combined.
- Take half the mixture and press it inside the hollowed-out bread, making a well in the center.
3. Add the Cheese Filling 🧀
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella into the well.
- Cover with the remaining meat mixture, sealing the cheese inside.
4. Bake to Perfection 🔥
- Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked (internal temp of 160°F (71°C)).
- Remove from oven, sprinkle extra mozzarella & parmesan cheese on top, and broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
5. Slice & Serve! 🍽️
- Let the loaf rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thick, cheesy, meaty portions.
- Serve with marinara sauce, ranch, or BBQ sauce for dipping!
Serving Ideas & Pairings
🥗 Serve with a fresh side salad for balance.
🥔 Pair with garlic mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.
🔥 Spicy Kick? Add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture!
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to keep it crispy.
- Freeze for up to 1 month—wrap in foil before baking again!
Variations & Customizations
🥓 Bacon Lover’s Version – Wrap the whole loaf in bacon before baking!
🌿 Veggie Version – Add mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers inside.
🧄 Garlic Bread Twist – Mix butter, garlic, and parsley and brush over the top before baking.
🍗 Ground Turkey Option – Swap beef for ground turkey for a lighter version.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the meatloaf bread, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: What’s the best cheese to use?
A: Mozzarella is classic, but cheddar, provolone, or gouda work great too!
Q: Can I use store-bought dough instead of bread?
A: Yes! Use pizza dough or crescent roll dough to wrap the meatloaf for a stuffed bread experience.
