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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.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

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.