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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Soak bread cubes in milk for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to soften and absorb the liquid completely.
- Mash the soaked bread with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, and salt until a smooth, uniform paste forms.
- Incorporate ground beef and Italian sausage into the herb mixture, gently breaking the meats into small, even pieces.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella, and marinara sauce to the meat mixture.
- Blend ingredients carefully, avoiding overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan, shaping it into a compact, even loaf.
- Spread an additional marinara sauce evenly across the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake uncovered for 40 minutes, allowing the meat to cook through and develop a rich, golden exterior.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the meatloaf and dust with extra Italian seasoning if desired.
- Return to the oven for a final 5 minutes to melt the cheese and create a golden, bubbly topping.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before slicing.
- 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