Italian Meatloaf

Italian meatloaf is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food, combining the rich flavors of Italian cuisine with the hearty satisfaction of a traditional meatloaf.

This recipe infuses everyday ingredients with a touch of Mediterranean flair, making it a fantastic meal for any occasion.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Italian meatloaf is an ideal way to bring flavors from Italy to your dinner table without much fuss. It’s not only a crowd-pleaser but also a convenient one-pan meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Plus, this dish allows you to sneak in some veggies and herbs, ensuring a nutritious outcome that everyone will love.

How To Make Italian Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/3 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/4 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• 1 cup pasta sauce or marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded and divided)
• 1 whole large egg (slightly beaten)

3-Step Directions:

1. Preheat & Mix Ingredients: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, fresh basil, fresh parsley, ½ cup pasta sauce, ½ cup mozzarella cheese, and beaten egg. Mix gently until evenly combined.
2. Shape & Bake: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Shape the mixture into a loaf about 1 inch thick, 8 inches long, and 4 inches wide. Bake for 35–40 minutes. Remove from the oven and spread the remaining ½ cup pasta sauce evenly on top.
3. Add Cheese & Finish Baking: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded mozzarella over the sauced loaf. Return to the oven and bake for about 10 more minutes, until the cheese has melted. Let rest briefly, then slice and serve warm.

Prep Time And Nutrition Facts

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes to cook, making a total of 55 minutes. It serves 4 people and each serving has about 350 calories, with approximately 28 grams of protein and 18 grams of fat.

How To Serve Italian Meatloaf

Italian meatloaf is best served warm, sliced, and topped with additional marinara sauce if desired. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. You can also enjoy it as a meatloaf sandwich the next day!

How To Store Italian Meatloaf

To store leftovers, place the cooled meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze wrapped slices of meatloaf for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Tips To Make Italian Meatloaf

1. Use lean ground beef for a healthier option, or substitute with turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
2. Feel free to add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
3. For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
4. Make sure not to overmix the meatloaf, as this can lead to a tough texture.
5. Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to make slicing easier.

Health And Benefits Of This Recipe

Italian meatloaf is a great source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. The addition of fresh herbs like basil and parsley not only enhances flavor but also provides vitamins A and C. With lean meat and controlled fat levels from cheese, this dish can be a balanced meal when paired with veggies or whole grains. Overall, it’s a nutritious option that keeps you full and satisfied.

Variation

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, like provolone or fontina, or try adding spinach or mushrooms to the mixture for additional vitamins and minerals.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
   Yes! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative.

   
   

2. What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
   You can use crushed crackers, oats, or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a substitute.

   
   

3. How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
   An internal temperature of 160 degrees F indicates that the meatloaf is fully cooked.

   
   

4. Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

   
   

5. What sauce can I serve with this meatloaf?
   Marinara or your favorite pasta sauce works best, but barbecue sauce or even a creamy mushroom sauce can also be delicious alternatives.

   
   

6. Can I freeze the meatloaf?
   Yes! Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

   
   

7. How do I reheat leftovers?
   For best results, reheat slices in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.

   
   

Italian Meatloaf

A delightful twist on classic meatloaf, infused with Italian flavors using everyday ingredients, making it a fantastic one-pan meal for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef Use lean for a healthier option.
• 1/3 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs Can substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/4 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil Fresh is preferred for better flavor.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• 1 cup pasta sauce or marinara sauce Reserve half for topping.
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded and divided) Divided into two portions.
• 1 whole large egg (slightly beaten)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, fresh basil, fresh parsley, ½ cup pasta sauce, ½ cup mozzarella cheese, and beaten egg. Mix gently until evenly combined.

Cooking

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
2. Shape the mixture into a loaf about 1 inch thick, 8 inches long, and 4 inches wide.
3. Bake for 35–40 minutes. Remove from the oven and spread the remaining ½ cup pasta sauce evenly on top.
4. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded mozzarella over the sauced loaf.
5. Return to the oven and bake for about 10 more minutes, until the cheese has melted.
6. Let rest briefly, then slice and serve warm.

Notes

Best served warm with marinara sauce, garlic bread, or a simple green salad. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.