Super Easy Italian Meatloaf
This Italian Meatloaf recipe effortlessly blends the comforting familiarity of classic meatloaf with vibrant Italian flavors, creating a crowd-pleasing dish. In every slice, a juicy mix of beef and pork pairs with aromatic herbs and Parmesan under a rich marinara and melted mozzarella blanket. It’s a simple, delicious meal that turns every bite into a special treat, perfect for any dinner table.
Ground Beef And Pork: I prefer to use a combination of pork and beef, the pork adds a bit of extra juiciness to the meatloaf. If you’re aiming for a lighter version, you can use ground chicken or turkey. Italian Breadcrumbs: These help bind the ingredients together and add a subtle seasoning. You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko as substitutes, though adding extra Italian herbs for flavor may enhance the taste. Parmesan Cheese: Brings a nutty, salty taste to the meatloaf. You can substitute this with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese for similar flavor. Onion: Adds a slight sweetness and texture to the dish. If onions aren’t your thing, try shallots or omit them altogether. Garlic: Use as much or as little as you like. If you don’t have any, garlic powder will also work. Eggs: Act as a binder to hold the meatloaf together. In a pinch, you can use a couple of tablespoons of mayonnaise instead. Milk: Helps to moisten the breadcrumbs, contributing to the tenderness of the meatloaf. You can substitute this with almond milk, soy milk, or any other preferred milk alternative. Marinara Sauce: Adds moisture and a tangy tomato flavor. If you don’t have marinara, you can make your own using my recipe here. Italian Seasoning: Infuses the meatloaf with classic Italian herbs. If you don’t have any, make your own using my recipe. Salt and Pepper: Adjust according to your taste preference. Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a gooey, melty topping. You can substitute this with provolone or another melting cheese if desired. Fresh Parsley: Used for garnishing, it adds a fresh, herby touch.
Making this Italian Meatloaf is a breeze, my friend! It’s one of those dishes that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to put together. Let me walk you through the steps: First off, get your oven heating up to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming, grab a baking pan or a loaf pan and give it a quick grease or line it with parchment paper. This little step makes getting your meatloaf out so much easier later on. Now, in a large bowl, mix together the ground beef and pork, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped onion, minced garlic, eggs, and milk. You’ll also want to stir in half of your marinara sauce, along with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Just remember to mix everything until it’s just combined – overworking it can make the meatloaf tough. Next, transfer your meatloaf mix into the prepared pan. Shape it gently into a loaf, pressing it down lightly to make sure it’s compact. Then, spread the remaining marinara sauce right on top. It gives that extra zing of flavor and keeps the meatloaf moist while baking. Pop that pan into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s cooked through and the internal temperature hits 160°F (71°C). Just when your meatloaf is almost ready, sprinkle that shredded mozzarella over the top and return it to the oven for a few minutes. You’re looking for that beautiful, bubbly, golden cheese topping. Once out of the oven, give your meatloaf about 10 minutes to rest. This helps it set up, so you get nice, clean slices. Then, garnish with chopped parsley, slice it up, and serve.
Storage
After cooking, let the Italian meatloaf cool down completely. Then, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven until it’s warmed through.
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