Classic Italian Meatloaf Recipe
If you’re searching for a soul-warming, flavorful dinner that channels Old World comfort with every forkful, Classic Italian Meatloaf is the dish you need in your weekly rotation. Each slice is tender and aromatic, gloriously cheesy, and smothered in rich marinara sauce—bringing together familiar Italian ingredients in a new, family-friendly way. This is one of those recipes that gets rave reviews at every table, whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just seeking a memorable homemade meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these pantry-friendly but crucial ingredients for Classic Italian Meatloaf. Each plays a role in building the hearty texture, savory taste, and homestyle color that makes this recipe absolutely irresistible.
- Ground Beef (2 pounds): The rich, juicy base for your meatloaf; opt for 80/20 for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture.
- Italian-style Breadcrumbs (1 cup): These add herby flavor and help bind everything together beautifully.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Brings a salty, nutty depth—use freshly grated if possible.
- Small Onion, Finely Chopped (1): Adds tenderness and a mellow, savory flavor.
- Garlic Cloves, Minced (3): For irresistible Italian aroma and taste; don’t skimp here.
- Large Eggs (2): Essential for binding the meatloaf without making it heavy.
- Whole Milk (1/4 cup): Enhances moisture and helps meld the ingredients.
- Fresh Parsley, Chopped (1 tablespoon): Brightens the dish with fresh, herby notes.
- Dried Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): A little goes a long way to infuse that unmistakable Italian undertone.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Draws out all those savory flavors.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Lends the right amount of gentle heat.
- Marinara Sauce, Divided (1 1/2 cups): A tangy, classic finish inside and out—use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): That ooey-gooey, bubbly topping everyone loves.
How to Make Classic Italian Meatloaf
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready when your meatloaf is assembled. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan for a classic shape, or line a baking sheet with parchment for a more rustic, free-form loaf. Either method delivers delicious results, but the loaf pan makes for those neat slices.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, Italian-style breadcrumbs, Parmesan, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands or a fork to gently mix—overworking the mixture can make your Classic Italian Meatloaf tough, so go easy until everything is just combined.
Step 3: Shape Your Meatloaf
Transfer the mixture to your prepared loaf pan, or shape it into a compact oval on the baking sheet. Press it together gently so it holds its shape but isn’t too densely packed. The more loosely you form it, the juicier it will bake up.
Step 4: First Bake with Marinara
Spread half a cup of marinara sauce evenly over the top—this locks in moisture and gives that signature tangy, caramelized finish. Place the pan on the center rack and bake for 45 minutes, letting all those flavors meld and the aroma fill your kitchen.
Step 5: Top with Mozzarella and Finish Baking
Pull your meatloaf out and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella generously across the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, just until the cheese is bubbly and golden and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Step 6: Rest, Slice, and Serve
Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing—this helps all those savory juices settle in for slices that hold together beautifully. Serve with the remaining warm marinara spooned over each portion for that classic Italian meatloaf experience.
How to Serve Classic Italian Meatloaf
Garnishes
For a little extra pizzazz, sprinkle your Classic Italian Meatloaf with more chopped fresh parsley or a dusting of Parmesan. A few curls of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving make it look gourmet and add a tiny bit of extra zing.
Side Dishes
This dish is a natural alongside garlic bread—the kind you can use to scoop up every last drop of sauce. Pair it with simple roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or treat the family to creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Take things up a notch by slicing the meatloaf thick and layering it onto toasted sourdough with extra marinara for an Italian meatloaf sandwich. Or, for a dinner party flourish, arrange slices over a bed of arugula with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a modern Italian twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Classic Italian Meatloaf moist and delicious by storing slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll hold their flavor and texture for up to four days, making for super convenient lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can easily freeze this meatloaf whole or in slices. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use a freezer-safe zip bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to three months—just remember to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices in a baking dish, splash with a bit of marinara, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until hot (about 15 minutes). The sauce keeps everything juicy and tastes almost as good as the day it was baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef?
Absolutely! Swapping in ground turkey or chicken gives you a lighter but still flavorful classic Italian meatloaf. If you do, add a splash more milk or an extra tablespoon of olive oil to keep it moist.
What’s the best way to keep my meatloaf from drying out?
The key is not to overmix the ingredients and to use a rich sauce both inside and on top. Baking until just cooked through, then letting the meatloaf rest, helps lock in all those juicy flavors.
Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf mixture?
Yes! Finely grated carrot, chopped spinach, or tiny bits of bell pepper blend right in and add color, nutrition, and a subtle sweetness to the classic Italian meatloaf. Just make sure veggies are chopped small so they blend seamlessly.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Use your favorite gluten-free Italian breadcrumbs—there are many good brands out there—or pulse gluten-free oats with Italian seasoning for a homemade twist. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What’s the best marinara sauce to use?
Use what you love! A homemade marinara is fantastic, but a good-quality jarred sauce with simple ingredients works beautifully. For extra depth, try a sauce with roasted garlic or basil for even more classic Italian meatloaf character.
Final Thoughts
Give this Classic Italian Meatloaf a try whenever you crave comfort, flavor, and a little hint of Italy in your own kitchen. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive for guests, and leftovers reheat like a dream. You’ll soon see why this is a forever favorite in so many homes—enjoy every mouthwatering bite!
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Classic Italian Meatloaf Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Classic Italian Meatloaf recipe brings a taste of Italy to your dinner table. Tender ground beef combined with savory seasonings, Parmesan cheese, and a gooey mozzarella topping, all baked to perfection. A comforting and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Meatloaf:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Mix the meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape and bake: Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce over the top. Bake for 45 minutes, then add mozzarella cheese and bake for another 15 minutes.
- Rest and serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with warmed marinara sauce.
Notes
- For extra moisture, mix in 1/2 pound of ground pork with the beef.
- This meatloaf pairs well with garlic bread or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
