Easy Italian Meatloaf Recipe: A Family Favorite For Dinner

Comfort meets culinary delight in this hearty Italian meatloaf recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Rich, savory flavors dance across every slice of this classic dish.

Ground beef mingles with herbs and spices, creating a mouthwatering centerpiece for any dinner table.

The blend of traditional ingredients brings a rustic charm to your kitchen.

Parmesan cheese and garlic add depth and complexity to each bite.

This recipe transforms a simple meal into a memorable dining experience.

Prepare to savor every delectable morsel and impress your dinner companions with this irresistible Italian-inspired creation.

What You’ll Need For Italian Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that gives the meatloaf its rich meat texture.
• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and keeps the meatloaf moist.

• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a creamy Italian flavor and provides a delicious melty topping.

• Bread Crumbs: Helps to hold the meatloaf together and creates a light texture.
• Garlic: Provides a classic Italian aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Herbs: Adds fresh and vibrant herbal notes to complement the meat.
• Pasta Sauce: Keeps the meatloaf moist and adds a tangy tomato flavor.

• Salt, Pepper: Enhances the overall taste of the meatloaf.

Step-By-Step For Making Italian Meatloaf

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Heat the oven to 350°F.

This temperature ensures perfect cooking without drying out the meat.

Step 2: Combine Flavor-Packed Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Bread crumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Minced garlic
• Dried herbs
• Seasonings
• Beaten egg
• Half of the pasta sauce
• Half of the mozzarella cheese

Gently mix the ingredients until they’re evenly distributed.

Use your hands or a sturdy spoon, but be careful not to overmix, which can make the meatloaf tough.

Step 3: Shape the Meatloaf

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

Form the meat mixture into a loaf about 8 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 1 inch thick.

An even shape helps ensure consistent cooking.

Step 4: Initial Baking

Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the meat is nearly cooked through.

Step 5: Add Saucy Topping

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining pasta sauce evenly across the top.

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the sauce.

Step 6: Final Cheese Melt

Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and slightly bubbly.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful.

Slice and serve hot, enjoying the delicious Italian-inspired creation.

Smart Tips For Italian Meatloaf Success

• Mix ingredients gently to keep meat tender and avoid compacting, which can make the texture tough and less enjoyable.
• Use freshly grated mozzarella for better melting and more even coverage on top of the meatloaf for a golden, appetizing finish.
• Reserve some pasta sauce to add moisture during the final baking stage, ensuring the meatloaf stays juicy and flavorful.
• Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5 minutes after baking, which helps juices redistribute and makes slicing cleaner and more precise.
• Replace bread crumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to create a gluten-free and lower-carbohydrate version of this Italian meatloaf.

How To Store And Warm Up Italian Meatloaf

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Slice meatloaf and place individual portions in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen meatloaf stays fresh for 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature midway to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place meatloaf slices in a baking dish. Add a splash of beef broth or pasta sauce to maintain moisture. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Best Sides For Italian Meatloaf Dinners

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, savory flavors of the Italian meatloaf, cutting through its meaty texture with a perfect tannic balance.
• Serve with Garlic Parmesan Roasted Vegetables: Create a side of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots sprinkled with fresh Parmesan to echo the Italian meatloaf's herbaceous and cheesy profile.
• Create a Fresh Caprese Salad: Slice ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic reduction to provide a light, refreshing contrast to the hearty meatloaf.
• Match with Crisp Italian Bread: Offer warm, crusty ciabatta or focaccia to soak up the delicious pasta sauce and provide a textural complement to the tender meatloaf.

Flavorful Takes On Italian Meatloaf

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Champion: Replace bread crumbs with finely chopped zucchini or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining moisture.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or a mix of lentils, mushrooms, and quinoa for a protein-packed meatless option.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and dairy-free mozzarella cheese to create a lactose-free version that doesn't compromise on flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork work great. Just ensure the fat content is similar to keep the meatloaf moist.

• How do I prevent the meatloaf from becoming dry?

Don’t overmix the meat, use fresh ingredients, and avoid overcooking. The egg and cheese help retain moisture, and the pasta sauce adds extra juiciness.

• What if I don't have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs are a perfect substitute. Use about 1/3 the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh, as they’re more concentrated in flavor.

• Can I prepare this meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the meatloaf and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Why Italian Meatloaf Stands Out

• No complex techniques required – just mix, shape, and bake, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels from beginners to experienced chefs.
• Loaded with Parmesan, mozzarella, herbs, and pasta sauce, this recipe elevates traditional meatloaf into a gourmet Italian-inspired dish that feels like a restaurant-quality meal prepared at home.
• Great for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or meal prep – this recipe adapts easily to different occasions and can feed multiple people with minimal effort.

Italian Meatloaf Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian Meatloaf blends classic comfort with Mediterranean zest, promising a flavorful journey through rustic Italian kitchens. Savory herbs, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly seasoned ground meat create a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef

Dry Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/4 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Herbs and Aromatics:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Binding and Topping:

• 1 large egg, slightly beaten
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) pasta sauce
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided

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Instructions

1. Prepare oven at 350°F, ensuring optimal cooking temperature for a perfectly balanced meatloaf.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan, garlic, seasonings, herbs, egg, half the pasta sauce, and half the mozzarella. Mix thoroughly but delicately to maintain meat’s tender texture.
3. Transfer mixture onto a lined baking sheet, crafting a uniform loaf approximately 8 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 1 inch thick to guarantee even cooking.
4. Slide the loaf into preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, allowing meat to cook through completely.
5. Remove from oven and lavishly spread remaining pasta sauce across the surface, creating a vibrant layer of flavor.
6. Generously sprinkle remaining mozzarella over the sauce, creating a molten cheese topping.
7. Return to oven for an additional 10 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
8. Extract from oven and permit meatloaf to rest 5 minutes, enabling internal juices to redistribute and intensify overall taste profile.

Notes

• Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to prevent a dense, tough texture, ensuring a tender and juicy meatloaf.
• Keep the loaf shape relatively thin and even, around 1 inch thick, for consistent and faster cooking throughout.
• Consider using lean ground beef or a mix of meats like beef and pork for added flavor and moisture.
• Make the dish gluten-free by substituting breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs, maintaining the same binding properties.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg