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Italian Meatloaf

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5 from 10 votes

Delicious Italian Meatloaf tastes just like a giant meatball with more flavor! It’s juicy, tender, and makes a hearty and satisfying dinner any night of the week. 

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Italian meatloaf on a serving platter.Pin

italian meatloaf recipe

This flavorful meatloaf is sure to make the best dinner and everyone will fall in love with this cozy dish. Similar to classic meatloaf except we add Italian flavor such as pasta sauce, mozzarella cheese, garlic, basil, parmesan cheese, and Italian bread crumbs.

I love the way my house smells while this bakes from all of the delicious ingredients, it’s just the best! We make this tender meatloaf extra special by adding gooey mozzarella cheese to the meatloaf mixture and on top of the meatloaf so it’s extra cheesy. 

​If you love Italian food, be sure to try my Italian Meatballs and Pasta, Pastina, Italian Sliders, and Pastina Soup

Cheesy meatloaf closeup view.Pin

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy recipe: We use simple ingredients and all you do is mix it all in a bowl, form into a loaf and bake.

Low-carb recipe: This recipe is low in carbs, high in protein and totally satisfying.

Delicious and hearty dinner: It’s quick to prepare and you can make these the day or night ahead of time so all of you have to do is pop them into the oven to bake.

Best Meatloaf: There isn’t anything better than a warm meal on any night especially when we want comfort and this Italian Meatloaf hits the spot. It’s truly the best!

Loaded with flavor: We pack Italian flavors in this meatloaf and is super cheesy from the mozzarella we add in the meat mixture and on top.

Meatloaf on a bed of lettuce.Pin

key ingredients

  • Beef: I use a 80/20 lean ground beef and fat ratio blend but you could go even leaner if you prefer. You’ll need 1 pound ground beef total.
  • Egg: Acts as a binding agent and holds the ingredients together.
  • Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated if possible.
  • Fresh basil and fresh parsley: Fresh is always best and adds the best flavor but alternatively you could use dried. 
  • Sauce: Use homemade or store-bought pasta sauce (spaghetti sauce or marinara sauce). This is different from a can of tomato sauce because the sauce has more flavor.
  • Bread crumbs: I love using the Italian breadcrumbs because it adds more flavor since it’s already seasoned. You could also use plain or Panko breadcrumbs.
  • Seasonings: We use garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt and black pepper to add flavor.
How to make Italinan meatloaf steps.Pin

how to make italian meatloaf

Combine ingredients: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and in a large mixing bowl combine ground beef, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, seasonings, basil, parsley, 1/2 cup of sauce, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, and egg. Gently mix together with your clean hands or a spoon until all of the ingredients are combined.

Form meatloaf: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and lightly coat with cooking spray or olive oil. Form meat mixture into a loaf shape about 1 inch thick and 8 inches long and 4 inches wide.

Bake: Bake meatloaf for 35-40 minutes. Remove from the oven and add the remaining 1/2 cup pasta sauce on top by evenly spread it out with a spoon. Top with remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese and bake for 10 more minutes or until cheese has melted and the internal temperature from a meat thermometer is at least 160 degrees. The cooking time may vary for each oven. Serve and enjoy!

The best Italian meatloaf recipe on a white plate.Pin

recipe tips & variations

  • Add spice: Add red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce to the mixture before baking.
  • Gluten-free: Make this a gluten-free meatloaf by using gluten-free bread crumbs.
  • Add veggies: If you want to add veggies you can shred or chop them and add them to the meat mixture. Zucchini, carrots, red bell peppers, chopped spinach, and mushrooms are great options .
  • Healthier alternative: Looking for a healthier alternative? Swap the beef for ground turkey meat or ground chicken meat for a leaner option. You could also use leaner beef.
  • Bake in meatloaf pan: If you want to bake this in a loaf pan you could. Just be sure to cook the meatloaf for at least 60 minutes.
  • Combination of meats: Use a combination of ground beef and ground pork or ground sausage. Just about any ground meat will work!

what to serve with italian meatloaf

I love serving this meatloaf with a big Italian salad, roasted potatoes and a green veggie like green beans, brussels sprouts, or broccoli. 

I also love eating leftovers and making a meatloaf sandwich the next day with Italian bread or sliced wheat bread. My toddler even loved this idea! 

Italian meatloaf on a plate.Pin

leftovers & storage

To-store: Cover meatloaf with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed.

To-freeze: Cool meatloaf completely and wrap in slices or wrap whole meatloaf in plastic wrap, and place in an airtight container or freezer bag. Keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. It’s best to thaw completely before reheating and warming.

Reheat meatloaf in a 400 degree F. oven for 10-15 minutes if refrigerated, or 30-40 minutes if frozen. You could also microwave until warmed.

Close up of meatloaf with cheese on top.Pin
Sliced meatloaf on a plate.Pin

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Italian Meatloaf Recipe

Delicious Italian Meatloaf tastes just like a giant meatball with more flavor! It's juicy, tender, and makes a hearty and satisfying dinner any night of the week. 
5 from 10 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: Italian Meatloaf, italian meatloaf recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8 slices

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 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 use your favorite
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded and divided
  • 1 whole large egg slightly beaten

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and in a large mixing bowl combine ground beef, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, seasonings, basil, parsley, 1/2 cup of sauce, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, and egg. Gently mix together with your hands or a spoon until all of the ingredients are combined.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and form meat mixture into a loaf about 1 inch thick and 8 inches long and 4 inches wide.
  • Bake meatloaf for 35-40 minutes. Remove from the oven and add the remaining 1/2 cup of sauce on top by evenly spread it out with a spoon. Top with remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese and bake for 10 more minutes or until cheese has melted. Serve and enjoy!
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5 from 10 votes (1 rating without comment)

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Recipe Rating




11 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I love a good meatloaf. The addition of cheese and Italian spices takes the humble loaf to a new level. I know this will be a hit with the family for dinner one night this week. Leftovers would be great in sandwiches too.

  2. 5 stars
    This is the ULTIMATE meatloaf recipe! Honestly, this old school dish has never been my favourite because it’s usually dry and tasteless. BUT not this recipe! Thank you for making me love meatloaf again!

  3. 5 stars
    I love the vibe of this Italian meatloaf. We’re big fans of Italian meatballs and this meatloaf sounds like it’s a winner for us. I plan to serve it with creamy polenta!

  4. 5 stars
    This is the type of meat loaf recipe that I want to do, the saltiness is not overpowering the other seasonings which gives it a unique flavor profile.

  5. 5 stars
    OMG this is just calling my name! All that cheesy goodness and the fact that you paired it with meatloaf?! BRAVO! With this, meatloaf Monday just got way more delicious!

  6. 5 stars
    This meatloaf looks such a tasty and easy dish to make for a weeknight dinner! Saved it!

  7. 5 stars
    This is a fantastic meatloaf recipe. The marinara and cheese were delicious additions. This is the perfect comfort meal for dinner!

  8. 5 stars
    What a delicious twist on traditional meatloaf! I am loving the Italian seasonings. Going to add this to my dinner plan soon. 🙂

  9. This meatloaf looks flavorful and like an easy to make weeknight meal that everyone will enjoy.

  10. 5 stars
    This Italian meatloaf sounds so good, packed with flavours and easy to make. Thanks for this recipe.