Italian Meatloaf
A comforting home-cooked meatloaf infused with rich Italian flavors, featuring lean ground beef, aromatic herbs, and gooey cheese, all wrapped in savory marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef Opt for a low-fat option for a healthier dish.
- 1/3 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (minced) Adds flavor to the meat mixture.
- 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 herbs give a vibrant flavor.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped) Adds freshness to the meatloaf.
- 1 cup pasta sauce or marinara sauce Use your favorite brand.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded and divided) Half mixed in, half for topping.
- 1 whole large egg (slightly beaten) Acts as a binding agent.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, seasonings, basil, parsley, 1/2 cup of sauce, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, and the egg.
- Gently mix together with your hands or a spoon until all of the ingredients are combined.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and form meat mixture into a loaf about 1 inch thick, 8 inches long, and 4 inches wide.
Cooking
- Bake the meatloaf for 35-40 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and add the remaining 1/2 cup of sauce on top by evenly spreading it out with a spoon.
- Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese has melted.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Serve with a fresh arugula salad, mashed potatoes, or garlic bread. For best flavor, garnish with fresh herbs before serving.