The Best Italian Meatloaf Recipe: Family Dinner Magic in Minutes

Hearty Italian meatloaf brings robust Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with its rich, savory profile.

Regional spices and classic ingredients merge into a comforting culinary experience that crafts an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Tender meat blends seamlessly with aromatic herbs, creating a robust dish that captures the essence of traditional Italian cooking.

Families gather around this classic centerpiece, appreciating its deep, complex taste and satisfying texture.

Carefully selected seasonings elevate the humble meatloaf, infusing each bite with warmth and depth characteristic of Italian cuisine.

The recipe balances rustic charm with sophisticated flavor combinations that appeal to both home cooks and food enthusiasts.

You’ll find this meatloaf offers a delightful twist on a familiar favorite, promising a memorable dining experience.

Why You’ll Love Italian Meatloaf for Dinner

• Burst with Authentic Italian Flavors: This meatloaf packs a punch of traditional Italian seasonings like oregano, parsley, and marinara sauce, creating a mouthwatering blend that transports your taste buds straight to Italy.
• Incredibly Moist and Tender Texture: The clever technique of soaking bread in milk and combining ground beef with sausage ensures a juicy, tender meatloaf that melts in your mouth with each delicious bite.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner Hero: With simple preparation steps and just about 50 minutes of total cooking time, this recipe delivers a gourmet-style meal that's perfect for busy families seeking a comforting, satisfying dinner.
• Cheesy Delight with Irresistible Toppings: Multiple layers of melted mozzarella and a generous marinara sauce coating transform this classic meatloaf into a crowd-pleasing dish that looks as amazing as it tastes.

Ingredients That Make Italian Meatloaf a Hit

• Ground Beef: Lean and flavorful base for the meatloaf, choose 80/20 blend for best texture.
• Italian Sausage: Adds rich, spicy flavor and enhances overall meat mixture.
• Egg: Helps bind ingredients together and creates a smooth, cohesive texture.

• Parmesan Cheese: Provides sharp, salty flavor and helps with binding.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, stretchy topping.
• Milk: Softens bread cubes and keeps meatloaf moist and tender.

• Bread: Cubed and soaked, helps retain moisture in the meatloaf.
• Bread Crumbs: Adds structure and helps absorb excess moisture.
• Onion, Garlic: Provide aromatic base and depth of flavor.
• Parsley, Oregano, Italian Seasoning: Classic Italian herbs that enhance overall taste.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the flavors of all ingredients.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and complexity to the meat mixture.
• Marinara Sauce: Provides moisture and classic Italian tomato flavor.

Italian Meatloaf in Easy Steps

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Crank up the oven to 400°F and get your loaf pan ready by spraying with cooking spray or lining with parchment paper.

Step 2: Soak the Bread

In a small bowl, drench cubed bread with milk and let it sit for 3-4 minutes to soak up the liquid.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base

• Soaked bread
• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Chopped parsley
• Dried oregano
• Salt

Mash these ingredients into a fragrant paste.

Step 4: Mix the Meat

• Ground beef
• Sausage (crumbled into small pieces)
• Worcestershire sauce
• Egg
• Bread crumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Shredded mozzarella
• Marinara sauce

Gently mix until just combined.

Step 5: Shape and First Bake

Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared pan, sculpting it into a perfect loaf. Spread marinara sauce on top.

Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.

Step 6: Final Cheese and Seasoning

Remove from oven and sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Add an extra shake of Italian seasoning if you’re feeling fancy.

Step 7: Final Bake and Rest

Bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Expert Tips for Juicy Italian Meatloaf

• Blend Meats Gently: Mix ground beef and sausage softly to keep the meatloaf tender and prevent tough texture.
• Soak Bread Perfectly: Let bread cubes absorb milk completely for a moist, rich meatloaf that holds together beautifully.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches 160°F for safe, juicy results.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the meatloaf to sit 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make slicing easier.
• Customize Marinara: Choose a high-quality marinara sauce or make your own for an extra burst of authentic Italian flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Italian Meatloaf Safely

• Refrigeration: Wrap leftover meatloaf tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
• Freezing: Place cooled meatloaf slices in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Label with the date and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature halfway through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Add a splash of marinara sauce to maintain moisture and enhance flavor.

Perfect Sides for Italian Meatloaf

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the meatloaf, enhancing the dish's savory Italian profile.
• Serve with Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Prepare a side of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant tossed in olive oil and herbs to balance the hearty meatloaf and add fresh, vibrant textures.
• Create a Crisp Herb Salad: Whip up a light arugula salad with shaved Parmesan, lemon vinaigrette, and fresh basil to cut through the meatloaf's richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Match with Creamy Polenta: Prepare smooth, cheesy polenta as a perfect base that soaks up the marinara sauce and complements the meatloaf's robust meat blend.

Variations to Liven Up Italian Meatloaf

• Mediterranean Fusion: Swap ground beef with ground lamb and add chopped mint, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Greek-inspired version that brings Mediterranean flavors to the classic meatloaf.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Replace Italian sausage with chorizo, mix in diced green chiles, swap marinara for salsa, and top with pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, Southwest-inspired meatloaf with bold, spicy notes.
• Vegetable-Loaded Option: Incorporate finely diced zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach into the meat mixture, enhancing nutritional value and adding extra moisture and vibrant color to the traditional recipe.
• Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Use almond flour instead of bread crumbs, eliminate bread cubes, and increase the amount of Parmesan cheese to maintain binding while reducing carbohydrate content for a keto-friendly version.

Italian Meatloaf Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

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

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Description

Savory Italian meatloaf blends ground beef, Italian herbs, and rich tomato sauce into a comforting family classic. Melted mozzarella and a tangy glaze crown this hearty dish that brings Mediterranean warmth right to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Meats:

• ½ pound lean ground beef
• 1 pound bulk Italian sausage

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon milk
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 1 cup mozzarella and fontina cheese, shredded, divided

Herbs, Vegetables, and Seasonings:

• ½ cup white onion, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon flat-leaf parsley, minced, plus more for garnish (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, minced
• 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Bread and Breadcrumbs:

• 1 cup Italian or white bread, crusts removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
• ¾ cup bread crumbs

Sauce:

• ¾ cup marinara, divided, plus more for serving

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 400°F (204°C) and coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Soak bread cubes in milk for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to soften and absorb the liquid completely.
3. Mash the soaked bread with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, and salt until a smooth, uniform paste forms.
4. Incorporate ground beef and Italian sausage into the herb mixture, gently breaking the meats into small, even pieces.
5. Add Worcestershire sauce, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella, and marinara sauce to the meat mixture.
6. Blend ingredients carefully, avoiding overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
7. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan, shaping it into a compact, even loaf.
8. Spread an additional marinara sauce evenly across the top of the meatloaf.
9. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes, allowing the meat to cook through and develop a rich, golden exterior.
10. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the meatloaf and dust with extra Italian seasoning if desired.
11. Return to the oven for a final 5 minutes to melt the cheese and create a golden, bubbly topping.
12. Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before slicing.
13. Serve with additional marinara sauce on the side for extra flavor and moisture.

Notes

• Blend bread with milk first to create a moist, tender meatloaf texture that prevents dryness and enhances overall flavor.
• Choose a mix of ground beef and sausage for deeper, more complex meaty taste that elevates traditional meatloaf.
• Let the meatloaf rest after baking to help juices redistribute, ensuring each slice remains succulent and perfectly seasoned.
• Top with marinara sauce and extra mozzarella for an authentic Italian-style presentation that adds rich, comforting flavors.
• Use fresh herbs like parsley and oregano to bring vibrant, aromatic notes that complement the hearty meat mixture.
• Check internal temperature reaches 160°F to guarantee safe and perfectly cooked meatloaf without overcooking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 428 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg