My delicious Italian meatloaf transforms a traditional meatloaf recipe into a new family favorite with bold Italian flavors packed into every bite.
Italian-style meatloaf combines the classic flavor of Italian meatballs into a mouthwatering homestyle meatloaf topped with savory marinara sauce. This great recipe is effortless to prepare and yields a wonderfully flavorful meatloaf the whole family will love.
Think of this flavorful meatloaf almost like a giant meatball!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Lean ground beef - Ground pork can also be mixed in.
- Plain breadcrumbs - You can substitute breadcrumbs by making meatloaf with Ritz crackers.
- Milk
- Large egg - You can also make meatloaf without eggs if needed.
- Parmesan cheese - Shredded or grated Parmesan is fine.
- Italian Seasoning - Fresh basil would be a wonderful addition or substitute.
- Garlic cloves - ½ teaspoon of garlic powder can be substituted.
- Worcestershire sauce
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Marinara sauce - Your favorite pasta sauce is a good substitute.
How to make it
Make this classic Italian meatloaf recipe by first crumbling your ground meat and placing it in a large mixing bowl with the bread crumbs, milk, egg, cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic cloves, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
Working with clean hands, mix the meatloaf ingredients until fully combined.
Ladle a couple of spoonfuls of marinara sauce across the bottom of a loaf pan, then place the meat mixture into the pan. Press the mixture flat to fill out the pan.
Place the meatloaf in an oven preheated to 350 degrees and bake for 50 minutes. Then spread the remaining marinara sauce over the meatloaf and continue baking until the meatloaf reaches 160 degrees when tested with an instant-read thermometer.
Remove the meatloaf from the oven, let cool briefly, then slice and serve.
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
Leftover Italian meatloaf needs to be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat leftovers in individual servings by heating them in the microwave, or gently warm them in a medium skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. The leftovers will make wonderful meatloaf sandwiches the next day.
Italian Meatloaf
Equipment
- Bread loaf pan
- Large Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- ¾ cup plain breadcrumbs
- 6 tablespoons milk
- 1 large egg beaten
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian Seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅔ cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Crumble the ground beef into a large bowl then add breadcrumbs, milk, beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Ladle two spoonfuls of marinara sauce over the bottom of a bread loaf pan, then place the meatloaf mixture in the pan and press into a loaf shape.
- Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, then spread the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the meatloaf and continue baking for another 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let rest for five minutes, then slice and serve.
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