Description
This Classic Italian Meatloaf is a hearty and flavorful dish combining ground beef and Italian sausage with aromatic herbs, sautéed vegetables, and cheeses. Topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, it offers a comforting Italian twist on a traditional favorite, perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground mild Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 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
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese (reserve 3/4 cup for topping)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce and Topping
- 1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Sauté vegetables: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Combine meat mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, basil, parsley, beaten egg, Italian bread crumbs, crumbled white bread, milk, sautéed vegetables, 5.25 oz of shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything well until fully incorporated.
- Shape and place in pan: Transfer the meat mixture into the greased loaf pan and shape it into a loaf evenly.
- Add marinara sauce: Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce over the top of the meatloaf, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 60 to 75 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Add mozzarella topping: About 10 minutes before the end of baking, sprinkle the reserved 2.75 oz shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the meatloaf and continue baking until melted and bubbly.
- Rest meatloaf: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve warm, optionally topped with additional marinara sauce.
Notes
- Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps retain moisture and makes it easier to cut.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For added flavor, consider adding chopped fresh parsley or basil to the meat mixture.
- If you like a smoky flavor, adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the seasoning can enhance the taste.
- Using fresh bread crumbs instead of dried can improve the texture and moisture of the meatloaf.
