This Italian meatloaf is a warm hug in food form! Packed with ground meat, savory herbs, and a blend of spices, it’s a comforting dish that’s easy to love.
Not to mention, it’s super simple to make! I love serving it with a side of spaghetti—you can never go wrong with meatloaf and pasta. Yum! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: A blend of beef and pork adds richer flavor. If you want a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can work as well, just keep an eye on cooking time as they may cook faster.
Italian-style Breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs are seasoned and add great flavor. If you don’t have them, regular breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning will do just fine!
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan brings a nice sharpness. You can substitute with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Fresh Parsley: Fresh herbs really uplift this dish. If parsley is unavailable, you could use fresh basil, or even dried herbs if fresh isn’t an option, though I always recommend fresh when possible for the best flavor.
Marinara Sauce: Homemade sauce is great, but store-bought works perfectly too. If you want to spice things up, use a spicy marinara or add red pepper flakes.
How Do You Get the Perfect Meatloaf Texture?
Getting that perfect meatloaf texture is all about combining and mixing the ingredients just right. Here’s how to nail it:
- Mix the ingredients until everything is evenly combined, but don’t overdo it. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf.
- Add the egg and breadcrumbs as binders; they help keep it all together without making it too heavy.
- Form your loaf gently. You want it to hold its shape but not be tightly packed.
After baking, let it rest for a few minutes; this helps the juices redistribute, keeping every slice juicy and tender!
Italian Meatloaf
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce, plus extra for topping
- 6 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
- Olive oil for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Italian meatloaf takes about 20 minutes to prepare and about 1 hour to cook. So, you’re looking at a total of about 1 hour and 20 minutes before you can enjoy this delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your meatloaf will cook evenly. While it’s heating up, lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easier.
2. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Now, add in 1 cup of marinara sauce. Mix everything together until it’s well incorporated, but be sure not to overmix—you want to keep it tender!
3. Shape the Meatloaf:
Once your mixture is combined, shape it into a loaf. You can either press it into the prepared loaf pan or shape it into a freeform loaf on the baking sheet. Whichever you prefer works perfectly!
4. Bake the Meatloaf:
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll want it to be cooked through and firm to the touch.
5. Add Marinara Sauce:
Once the meatloaf is ready, remove it from the oven and spread a generous layer of marinara sauce over the top. This adds a great flavor!
6. Top with Mozzarella:
Evenly distribute mozzarella cheese over that delicious marinara layer. This will melt beautifully in the oven!
7. Final Bake:
Return your meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
8. Rest and Slice:
After baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This will help it hold its shape when you slice it.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with some fresh parsley or basil if you like, and serve hot. This Italian meatloaf goes great with spaghetti, a fresh green salad, or some crusty bread.
Buon Appetito!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can mix ground beef with pork for a richer flavor, or use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner dish. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly with different meats.
How Should I Store Leftover Meatloaf?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
Can I Make This Meatloaf Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute the Italian-style breadcrumbs with a gluten-free breadcrumb option or use crushed gluten-free crackers. Just ensure that any other ingredients, like the marinara sauce, are also gluten-free.
What Can I Serve with Italian Meatloaf?
This meatloaf pairs well with a classic side of spaghetti, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. Garlic bread is also a great addition to soak up all that delicious sauce!
