Italian Meatloaf
This Italian Meatloaf is a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food, infusing rich Italian herbs and savory marinara sauce. It’s an easy yet impressive dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Made with ground beef, Parmesan, and a medley of herbs, each bite is packed with deliciously tender textures and Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Topped with gooey mozzarella, it’s a comforting, satisfying meal.
Serve this meatloaf alongside garlic mashed potatoes, a crisp salad, or steamed veggies for a well-rounded dinner. For an authentic touch, pair with a glass of Chianti to complement the Italian flair.
Italian Meatloaf Ingredients
Ground beef serves as the hearty base, delivering rich flavor and moisture. Italian breadcrumbs bring a satisfying texture and lightness, while grated Parmesan infuses the meatloaf with a sharp, nutty depth. Aromatic garlic and onions provide an essential savory foundation, complemented by the fragrant herbs of basil and oregano. A touch of milk ensures tenderness, while marinara sauce adds a sweet, tangy essence that binds everything together beautifully. Optional mozzarella offers a melty, golden topping that crowns the dish with extra flavor and comfort.
Italian Meatloaf: A Hearty, Flavorful Dish
Italian Meatloaf is an easy-to-make dish that’s packed with rich flavors, combining the heartiness of beef with the fragrant herbs and tangy marinara sauce of Italy. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe will bring comfort and flavor to the table. To elevate your experience, here are some useful tips, serving ideas, and frequently asked questions that will help you perfect this dish.
Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Herbs for Maximum Flavor While dried basil and oregano work well in this recipe, using fresh herbs can enhance the overall flavor. Fresh basil and oregano have a more vibrant taste, and they can be finely chopped and mixed into the meatloaf for an extra burst of flavor. If you have access to fresh herbs, don’t hesitate to use them instead of dried ones.
- Rest the Meatloaf Before Slicing After baking, let your Italian Meatloaf rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This step is crucial for allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf. If you slice it too soon, the juices will escape, leaving the meatloaf dry. A short rest ensures each slice is moist and flavorful.
- Customize the Topping The optional shredded mozzarella is a great way to create a cheesy, gooey crust. For an extra flavor boost, try adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella in the final minutes of baking. The combination of both cheeses will form a deliciously crisp, golden topping.
What to Serve with Italian Meatloaf
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes Garlic mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish for Italian Meatloaf. The creamy texture and subtle garlic flavor pair beautifully with the rich, savory meatloaf. The smooth potatoes also help balance the tanginess of the marinara sauce, creating a comforting, well-rounded meal.
- Crisp Green Salad A crisp green salad is an excellent way to cut through the richness of the meatloaf and add some freshness to your meal. A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty meatloaf, making every bite more enjoyable.
- Steamed Vegetables Steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots complement the Italian Meatloaf by adding color, crunch, and nutritional value. The natural sweetness of the vegetables balances the savory flavors of the meatloaf, and they are light enough to not overpower the dish.
FAQ
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option. The flavor will be slightly different, but the rest of the recipe will still work well. To keep the turkey moist, make sure to add enough milk and breadcrumbs.
2. Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the meatloaf the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it the next day. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or preparing in advance for a busy evening.
3. Can I freeze Italian Meatloaf? Yes, you can freeze Italian Meatloaf. Once baked, let it cool completely and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
4. How do I ensure my meatloaf is not dry? To keep your meatloaf moist, be sure not to overmix the ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture. Additionally, the marinara sauce on top helps retain moisture during baking, and letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps preserve the juices.
Italian Meatloaf is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food, offering savory flavors that transport you to Italy with every bite. Whether you follow the tips, experiment with the sides, or answer your cooking questions, you’re sure to create a meal everyone will love. Buon Appetito!
Italian Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 2 pounds meatloaf mix or substitute with 1½ pounds of 85% lean ground beef and ½ pound ground pork
- 1 small onion diced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 carrot chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 stalk of celery cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh basil finely chopped
- ¾ cup marinara sauce with extra for serving
- ¾ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano grated
- ⅔ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and position the oven rack in the center. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat it lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic in a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Pulse until the vegetables are finely minced. Alternatively, these ingredients can be minced manually.
- Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the minced vegetables and sauté, stirring often, for 5 to 7 minutes until softened, taking care not to brown them. Allow the mixture to cool slightly until warm.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, basil, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Add the meatloaf mix, breadcrumbs, grated cheese, and cooled vegetable mixture to the bowl. Using clean hands, mix until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf measuring approximately 9×5 inches directly on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the marinara sauce uniformly over the top, allowing it to cascade slightly over the edges.
- Bake for 65 to 70 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F as measured by an instant-read thermometer. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking.
- Carefully remove any rendered fat from the edges of the loaf, then transfer it to a cutting board or serving platter using a wide spatula. Slice into portions and serve with additional marinara sauce, if desired.
