Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures that your meatloaf won't stick, making cleanup a breeze.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, garlic, eggs, Panko crumbs, Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, basil, oregano, and black pepper. Gently mix until all the ingredients are evenly combined, but be careful not to overmix. This can lead to a tough meatloaf!
Take half of the meat mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, shaping it into a 9 by 5-inch rectangle. This will be the base of your stuffed meatloaf.
Now for the fun part! Place the diced mozzarella down the center of the meatloaf base. This melty cheese will be the delightful surprise when you slice into it.
Cover the mozzarella with the remaining meat mixture. Make sure to seal the edges tightly so that the cheese doesn’t ooze out during cooking.
Pour the remaining pasta sauce over the top of the meatloaf, ensuring it’s evenly coated. This adds a vibrant flavor and helps keep the meatloaf moist.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. You’ll know it’s ready when the meatloaf is cooked through and slightly browned on the top.
After an hour, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top and return it to the oven. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, which should take about 5 to 10 minutes.
Once done, let the meatloaf rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is juicy and flavorful.
