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- 1 lb ground beef - 1/2 lb ground pork - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese You need both ground beef and pork. The mix gives the meatloaf a nice balance. Breadcrumbs help hold it together. The Parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory flavor. - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tsp Italian seasoning Fresh parsley brings a pop of color. Onion adds sweetness, and garlic gives it depth. Italian seasoning ties all the flavors together. These ingredients make your meatloaf truly Italian. - 1/2 cup marinara sauce - 1 large egg - 1/2 cup milk - 1 tsp salt - 1/2 tsp black pepper Marinara sauce keeps the meatloaf moist. The egg helps bind everything. Milk makes it tender and rich. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors in every bite. {{ingredient_image_1}} - First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even cooking. - Next, grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal later. - In a large bowl, add 1 lb of ground beef and 1/2 lb of ground pork. This mix gives great flavor and texture. - Then, add 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. - Now, include 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves for depth. - Crack in 1 large egg and pour in 1/2 cup of milk. - Finally, sprinkle in 1 tsp of Italian seasoning, 1 tsp of salt, and 1/2 tsp of black pepper. - Mix everything together until well combined. You want a nice, even mix without overworking it. - Transfer the meat mixture into your greased loaf pan. If you prefer, shape it into a loaf on the baking sheet instead. - Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce over the top. This adds moisture and flavor as it bakes. - Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour. Check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). - Once done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the juices settle before slicing. To get the best texture in your meatloaf, breadcrumbs are key. They soak up moisture and help bind the meat. I use one cup of breadcrumbs for this recipe. Make sure to mix everything well. Use your hands to combine the meats, herbs, and breadcrumbs. This technique ensures that each bite has a balanced flavor. Herbs can really boost the taste of your meatloaf. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch, but feel free to add more herbs like basil or oregano. Different cheeses can also change the flavor. Try using mozzarella or provolone for a creamy texture. Just mix them into the meat for a delightful surprise. Always check the meatloaf's temperature. It should reach 160°F (70°C) for safety. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked through. Also, keep your meatloaf moist. Adding milk helps, but topping it with marinara sauce adds extra moisture. This step keeps your meatloaf juicy and full of flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a vibrant flavor to your meatloaf. If you can, use fresh herbs instead of dried for an enhanced taste. Let it Rest: Allowing the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after baking helps redistribute the juices, making it more flavorful and moist when sliced. Experiment with Meats: For a different flavor profile, consider mixing in ground turkey or chicken with the beef and pork for a leaner option. Enhance the Marinara: Stir in some sautéed vegetables or extra spices into your marinara sauce for a richer topping that complements the meatloaf beautifully. {{image_2}} You can change the meat in your meatloaf. Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork. This swap makes the dish lighter and healthier. Ground turkey gives a nice flavor while keeping it juicy. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you need to avoid gluten. This keeps the dish friendly for gluten-free diets without losing taste. Want to try something new? You can make a Mediterranean version. Add chopped olives and feta cheese for that tasty twist. This gives a rich and tangy flavor. You can also spice it up! Add red pepper flakes for a spicy Italian meatloaf. This will bring a kick to your meal and make it exciting. If you want to save time, try a slow cooker version. Just mix all your ingredients and cook on low for about 6 hours. This method keeps the meat moist and tender. For a smoky flavor, grill your meatloaf instead. Shape it into a loaf and grill it over medium heat. This adds a nice char and depth of flavor that everyone will love. To store leftover meatloaf, first let it cool down. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and keep it fresh. It’s best to slice the meatloaf before storing. This makes it easier to reheat later. For freezing, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. This double layer prevents freezer burn. You can also use a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm. You can also microwave it, but the oven keeps it moist. In the fridge, meatloaf lasts about 3 to 4 days. In the freezer, it can last up to 3 months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it looks or smells off, it’s safer to throw it away. Bake your meatloaf for one hour at 350°F (175°C). The meatloaf is done when it hits 160°F (70°C) inside. Use a meat thermometer for the best results. Let it rest for ten minutes before slicing. This step keeps it juicy and tasty. Yes, you can prepare meatloaf ahead of time. Just mix the ingredients and shape it. Cover it well and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready, bake it as usual. If you freeze it, wrap it tightly. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking. Pair your meatloaf with pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh salad. Roasted vegetables also make a great side. For a twist, serve it with polenta or creamy mashed potatoes. These sides enhance the flavors of the meatloaf and create a full meal. This blog post covered everything you need to make a delicious Italian meatloaf. We explored the key ingredients, like ground beef and pork, along with tasty seasonings. I shared tips to create the perfect texture and variations to try, including cooking methods like grilling. Remember, storing leftovers properly can save you time later. By following these steps, you'll enjoy great meals that impress. Try new flavors and enjoy the cooking process. Happy cooking!

Savory Italian Meatloaf

A delicious and hearty meatloaf made with a blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with Italian herbs and topped with marinara sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 2 lb ground pork
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 2 cup milk
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 2 cup marinara sauce (for topping)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, onion, garlic, egg, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf for added flavor and moisture.
  • Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  • Slice the meatloaf and serve with extra marinara sauce on the side or over a bed of pasta for a hearty meal.

Notes

Let the meatloaf rest before slicing for better texture.
Keyword comfort food, Italian, meatloaf