Easy Italian Meatloaf
Bring the rich flavors of Italy to your table with this Easy Italian Meatloaf recipe! Infused with Italian herbs, Parmesan, marinara sauce, and topped with melty mozzarella, this meatloaf elevates a classic dish into a gourmet meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners, this Italian meatloaf is sure to become a new favorite.
This Italian Meatloaf is ideal for home cooks looking for a simple yet impressive recipe. With Italian breadcrumbs, aromatic herbs, and a marinara topping, every slice offers bold, comforting flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting in the kitchen, this easy recipe makes it effortless to create a restaurant-quality meal.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
For this recipe, have these tools ready:
- Large mixing bowl
- Loaf pan
- Spatula or spoon for spreading sauce
Ingredients for Easy Italian Meatloaf
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for topping)
- Optional: Shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
Instructions for making Easy Italian Meatloaf
- Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Combine Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, milk, chopped onion, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
- Shape and Top
- Press the meat mixture into a loaf pan, forming a compact loaf. Spread 1/2 cup marinara sauce over the top for added moisture and flavor.
- Bake
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the top is bubbly and browned.
- Add Cheese (Optional)
- In the last 10 minutes of baking, add shredded mozzarella cheese and additional marinara sauce on top. Bake until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Serve
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes to lock in the juices before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Easy Italian Meatloaf with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Steamed veggies
- A crisp green salad
- Garlic bread for an authentic Italian-inspired meal
FAQs for Italian Meatloaf
1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives. Note that leaner meats may need a touch more seasoning for flavor.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
3. Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf mixture?
Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even shredded zucchini add extra flavor and moisture to the meatloaf.
4. What’s the best way to reheat meatloaf?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or microwave individual slices to preserve moisture.
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
This Easy Italian Meatloaf brings a delightful twist to traditional meatloaf. With rich marinara, herbs, and cheese, it’s a simple yet flavorful meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy a taste of Italy from the comfort of your kitchen!
Easy Italian Meatloaf
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Loaf pan
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Spatula
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- For the Meatloaf:
- 1 lb ground beef 80% lean
- 1 lb ground pork or substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 cup marinara sauce divided
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan lightly with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Combine Meatloaf Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, Italian-style breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, ½ cup marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated, being careful not to overmix as this can make the meatloaf tough.
- Form and Bake the Meatloaf
- Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan and press it down evenly. Spread the remaining ½ cup of marinara sauce on top of the meatloaf, smoothing it with a spatula for even coverage.
- Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes. Carefully remove from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Finish Baking
- Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (70°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Garnish and Serve
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve with additional marinara sauce on the side.
Video
Notes
- This meatloaf pairs well with sides like mashed potatoes, garlic bread, or a simple green salad.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for best results.
- For extra flavor, add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or Italian sausage to the meat mixture.
- You can also use all ground beef if preferred, but the pork adds extra moisture and flavor.
