Italian Meatloaf

A delightful twist on the classic comfort food, combining the rich flavors of Italian cuisine with hearty satisfaction.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 45

Total Time 55

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Meatloaf Mixture

1 pound lean ground beef Use lean for a healthier option.
1/3 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic (minced)
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
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped)
1 cup pasta sauce or marinara sauce
1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded and divided)
1 whole large egg (slightly beaten)

Method

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, fresh basil, fresh parsley, ½ cup pasta sauce, ½ cup mozzarella cheese, and beaten egg. Mix gently until evenly combined.

Baking

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Shape the mixture into a loaf about 1 inch thick, 8 inches long, and 4 inches wide. Bake for 35–40 minutes. Remove from the oven and spread the remaining ½ cup pasta sauce evenly on top.

Finishing Touch

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded mozzarella over the sauced loaf. Return to the oven and bake for about 10 more minutes, until the cheese has melted. Let rest briefly, then slice and serve warm.

Notes

Feel free to add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and nutrition. Use lean ground beef, turkey, or chicken for a healthier option. For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to make slicing easier.