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Classic Italian Meatloaf Recipe

Classic Italian Meatloaf Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 28 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

This Classic Italian Meatloaf combines ground beef and pork with Italian herbs, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese for a comforting, flavorful main dish. Topped with marinara sauce and baked to perfection, it’s a hearty meal perfect for family dinners or make-ahead meals throughout the week.


Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf Mixture

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Topping

  • 1 cup marinara sauce (plus more for serving)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the meatloaf evenly.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, eggs, whole milk, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, careful not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
  3. Shape the Loaf: Transfer the mixture to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf form, making sure it’s evenly shaped for uniform cooking.
  4. Add Marinara Sauce: Spoon 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf, spreading it to cover the surface.
  5. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. This initial baking cooks the meatloaf through.
  6. Add Cheese and Continue Baking: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  7. Rest: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.
  8. Serve: Slice and serve warm with extra marinara sauce on the side if desired.

Notes

  • This meatloaf can be prepared ahead of time and reheated for quick meals throughout the week.
  • For a leaner version, substitute ground beef and pork with ground turkey and use low-fat cheese.
  • If you prefer a gluten-free option, use gluten-free Italian-style breadcrumbs.
  • Fresh herbs can be replaced with dried at one-third the quantity if needed.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 670mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 31g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg