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Italian Meatloaf Recipe

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4.2 from 81 reviews

This Italian Meatloaf recipe combines savory ground beef with classic Italian flavors like Parmesan, mozzarella, and Italian seasoning. Baked to perfection and topped with marinara sauce, it’s a comforting dish perfect for a hearty family dinner.

Ingredients

Meatloaf

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • ¾ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 1 small onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Topping

  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the meatloaf.
  2. Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, eggs, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently but thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated.
  3. Shape Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to a baking pan or loaf pan and shape it into a loaf form, ensuring it is compact and even for consistent cooking.
  4. Add Toppings: Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce for a delicious melted cheese layer.
  5. Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the meatloaf is cooked through.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For a moister meatloaf, you can add a little extra milk or incorporate some finely grated vegetables like carrots or zucchini.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator up to 3 days and reheated gently.
  • Serve with sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.