My family loves this delicious Italian meatloaf that is essentially one big giant meatball. It’s comforting and satisfying, and the smell of it baking in the oven always lures everyone to the kitchen. I serve it with a big Italian salad and Parmesan smashed potatoes, but it is also delicious with pasta. If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, the meatloaf is even better the next day, sliced and topped with melted cheese in a warm sandwich. To make the recipe quick and easy, I use a food processor to chop the vegetables. I also cheat and use a good-quality store-bought marinara sauce; the recipe only calls for 3/4 cup, so there is no need to make it from scratch. It’s easy to make two meatloaves, so you might as well—one to freeze and the other to bake straight away.
Ingredients:
1.5 pounds ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan and set it aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, fresh basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well using your hands or a fork, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 3: Add the eggs to the meat mixture and continue to mix until the eggs are fully combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it can make the meatloaf tough.
Step 4: Transfer the meat mixture to the greased loaf pan, shaping it into a loaf shape.
Step 5: Pour the marinara sauce over the top of the meatloaf, spreading it evenly. Reserve a small portion of the marinara sauce for later.
Step 6: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
Step 7: After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Step 8: Once cooked, remove the Italian Meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Step 9: Serve slices of this delectable Italian Meatloaf with the reserved marinara sauce, and pair it with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes.
Note: Feel free to add a personal touch by incorporating other Italian ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or chopped olives into the meat mixture for added flavor and texture.
Get ready to savor the taste of Italy with every bite of this absolutely delicious Italian Meatloaf. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave your loved ones asking for seconds. Buon appetito!
