Warm, savory, and full of delicious Italian flavors, this Easy Italian Meatloaf recipe is the perfect twist on a classic comfort food. With a blend of lean ground beef, fragrant Italian seasonings, and a gooey, melty mozzarella topping, every bite is a slice of heaven. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or impressing guests at your next gathering, this meatloaf is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make! Let’s dive into what makes this meatloaf so special.
What’s in Easy Italian Meatloaf?
Ground Beef: This is the main component of our meatloaf. I prefer lean ground beef, which provides the right balance of flavor and moisture without excessive grease. It’s the hearty foundation we need!
Italian Breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs are seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, adding an incredible texture to the meatloaf while helping it absorb all the wonderful flavors in the mix. You don’t want to skip this ingredient – it’s key to bringing out that authentic Italian taste!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh Parmesan is a game-changer! It delivers that irresistible umami flavor and also works its magic in keeping the meatloaf moist and tender.
Milk: A small amount of milk (just ½ cup) enriches the meatloaf without making it too heavy. Whole milk is ideal, but any variety you have on hand will do just fine.
Fresh Parsley: Bright and herbaceous, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the meatloaf, making each bite a delightful experience.
Onion: Finely chopped onion gives the meatloaf a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth that blends beautifully with the savory ingredients.
Garlic: Because, of course, garlic makes everything better! It imparts a rich savory flavor that is a must in any Italian-inspired dish.
Egg: The egg acts as a binder, keeping the meatloaf together and providing structure while keeping it moist.
Italian Seasoning: A mixture of herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme, Italian seasoning adds that signature Italian flavor. It’s the perfect shortcut to infuse the dish with a delicious herbal essence.
Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings enhance all the flavors in the meatloaf and bring everything into harmony.
Marinara Sauce: Coating the top of the meatloaf with marinara sauce adds a tangy, zesty kick. It’s a delightful contrast to the rich meat and cheese.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The crowning glory! This gooey, melted cheese takes the meatloaf to the next level, creating that perfect cheesy crust we all love.
Is Easy Italian Meatloaf Good for You?
While this Easy Italian Meatloaf isn’t a super-low-calorie dish, it does offer several redeeming qualities:
- Lean Ground Beef: Opting for leaner beef keeps the protein content high while minimizing fat.
- Parmesan Cheese: This cheesy goodness offers calcium and protein in every bite, and a little goes a long way.
- Fresh Parsley: Not only does parsley enhance the flavor, but it’s also packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making it a nice health boost to the dish.
However, if you’re watching your sodium intake, you can adjust the marinara sauce and cheese choices by opting for low-sodium versions. With a few tweaks, this dish can be enjoyed without too much guilt!
Ingredients List
This recipe serves about 6 people.
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
How to Make Easy Italian Meatloaf?
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Meatloaf: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, milk, chopped parsley, onion, garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything together until evenly combined.
- Shape the Loaf: Transfer the mixture into the greased loaf pan and shape it into a loaf. Ensure it’s compact and holds its shape well.
- Top with Marinara: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 60 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). The meatloaf should be firm and cooked through but still juicy.
- Melt the Cheese: After 60 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top. Return it to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side for a perfect balance of flavors!
Delicious Inspirations: Serving Ideas
This Easy Italian Meatloaf is delicious on its own, but you can easily make it a full meal by pairing it with sides like:
- Spaghetti: Serve alongside classic pasta drizzled with olive oil or extra marinara sauce.
- Salad: A fresh green salad with Italian dressing complements the rich flavors of the meatloaf.
- Garlic Bread: Warm, crispy garlic bread is always a hit and a perfect way to soak up any extra sauce.
If you’re looking to get a little creative, feel free to mix in some diced bell peppers or black olives into the meat mixture for added flavor and texture!
This Easy Italian Meatloaf recipe is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. It’s full of savory Italian flavors, packed with protein, and perfect for satisfying those comfort food cravings. Happy cooking!
