Description
This Classic Italian Meatloaf is a hearty and flavorful twist on traditional meatloaf, combining ground beef and Italian sausage with sautéed vegetables, Italian herbs, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, it delivers a comforting, savory meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Cheese
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground mild Italian sausage
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese (divided: 5.25 oz for the mixture, 2.75 oz for topping)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Binder and Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 beaten egg
- 3/4 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 2 slices white bread, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon milk
Topping
- 1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing them for about 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, basil, and parsley. Add the beaten egg, Italian bread crumbs, crumbled white bread, milk, sautéed vegetables, 5.25 oz shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything well until thoroughly combined.
- Shape Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture into the greased loaf pan and shape it evenly into a loaf.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the top of the shaped meatloaf.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the meatloaf is thoroughly cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Add Cheese Topping: In the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle the reserved 2.75 oz of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the meatloaf to melt and create a cheesy crust.
- Rest the Meatloaf: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes, which helps retain juices when slicing.
- Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve warm, topped with additional marinara sauce if desired.
Notes
- Make sure not to overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
- The resting period is essential to prevent the meatloaf from falling apart when sliced.
- You can substitute milk with a lactose-free alternative if needed.
- For added flavor, you may add chopped fresh parsley on top before serving.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked safely.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
