If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful dinner that brings everyone to the table with smiles, this Classic Italian Meatloaf Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Combining the savory goodness of ground beef and mild Italian sausage with fragrant herbs, melty mozzarella, and rich marinara sauce, it’s a comforting dish bursting with all the cozy flavors of Italy right in your own kitchen. Whether it’s a weeknight family meal or a special occasion, this meatloaf hits all the right notes with its perfect balance of zest, cheesy indulgence, and tender texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this unforgettable meatloaf, you’ll only need a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that each add their own magic. From the juicy ground meats to the aromatic herbs and creamy cheeses, every element plays a key role in crafting that classic Italian character.
- Ground beef (1 lb): Provides a rich, meaty base with plenty of flavor.
- Ground mild Italian sausage (1/2 lb): Adds spice and sweetness to complement the beef perfectly.
- Small onion, finely chopped (1): Brings sweetness and a bit of crunch when sautéed.
- Chopped bell pepper (1/2 cup): Offers slight sweetness and vibrant color.
- Olive oil (1 teaspoon): For sautéing veggies and adding a smooth mouthfeel.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Delivers subtle umami depth to the meat mixture.
- Garlic, minced (1 clove): Infuses the dish with classic Italian aroma.
- Dried oregano, basil, and parsley (1/2 teaspoon each): A fragrant blend of herbs that transport you to the Mediterranean.
- Beaten egg (1): Binds everything together for a perfect slice.
- Italian bread crumbs (3/4 cup): Adds texture and soaks up juices to keep the meatloaf moist.
- White bread, crumbled (2 slices): Further enhances tenderness and helps hold the loaf in shape.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): Keeps the mixture delightfully moist.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (8 oz, with 3/4 cup reserved for topping): Melts beautifully inside and on top, making every bite cheesy bliss.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a salty, nutty punch to the flavor profile.
- Marinara sauce (1 cup plus extra for topping): The perfect tangy finish that keeps this Classic Italian Meatloaf Recipe true to its roots.
How to Make Classic Italian Meatloaf Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan well to ensure your meatloaf releases easily after baking and to prevent sticking. This simple preparation step sets the stage for a perfectly cooked dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the finely chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and allow it to cook for another minute to bring out its fragrant oils. Set these sautéed veggies aside to cool before mixing, so they don’t start cooking the meat prematurely.
Step 3: Combine the Meat Mixture
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, mild Italian sausage, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, basil, parsley, beaten egg, Italian bread crumbs, crumbled white bread, milk, sautéed vegetables, 5.25 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. This is where all those flavors meld into a cohesive, savory mixture that’s both tender and delicious.
Step 4: Shape and Add Marinara
Transfer the meat mixture into your greased loaf pan, shaping it into a neat loaf. Smooth the surface and pour the marinara sauce evenly over the top. This helps the meatloaf stay moist and infuses it with that signature Italian tomato goodness during baking.
Step 5: Bake Your Meatloaf
Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The meatloaf should be cooked through but still juicy, with flavors fully developed and melded.
Step 6: Add the Cheese Topping
During the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle the reserved shredded mozzarella cheese on top. This melts into a golden, bubbly layer of cheesy perfection that makes this Classic Italian Meatloaf Recipe irresistible.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to settle, making slicing easier and keeping every piece tender and moist. Slice and add extra marinara sauce if you like — it’s always a welcoming touch.
How to Serve Classic Italian Meatloaf Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil adds a burst of color and freshness that complements the rich meatloaf beautifully. For a little extra flair, shaved Parmesan on top right before serving can provide a lovely salty contrast.
Side Dishes
This Classic Italian Meatloaf Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted garlic green beans, or a bright arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. The freshness and texture of these sides balance the hearty meatloaf perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider slicing the meatloaf and serving mini open-faced sandwiches with warm ciabatta rolls and a spoonful of marinara sauce. Or create a hearty pasta bake by crumbling leftover meatloaf over cooked penne, topping with extra mozzarella, then baking until bubbly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delicious.
Freezing
This Classic Italian Meatloaf Recipe freezes beautifully! Wrap tightly and place in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for convenient future dinners.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through. Cover with foil if using the oven to keep moisture locked in. Adding a little extra marinara sauce during reheating brings back that fresh-baked charm.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe with ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely, though ground turkey or chicken tends to be leaner, so adding a bit of olive oil or a small amount of sausage can help maintain moisture and flavor in this Classic Italian Meatloaf Recipe.
What is the best way to ensure the meatloaf stays moist?
Using a mixture of ground beef and Italian sausage, along with the soaked breads and milk, keeps the texture tender and juicy. Don’t skip the resting time after baking either—that’s key for moist slices.
Can I prepare this meatloaf the night before baking?
Yes! Mix and shape the meatloaf, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready, just add the marinara sauce and bake as directed for a fresh, delicious meal.
Is it necessary to use both Italian bread crumbs and white bread?
Using both helps balance texture—Italian bread crumbs add flavor and structure, while the white bread keeps the meatloaf incredibly tender. Together, they create that perfect bite.
Can I substitute the marinara sauce with another sauce?
While marinara is classic and complements the Italian flavors perfectly, you can experiment with other tomato-based sauces or even a BBQ sauce twist if you’re seeking something adventurous, but it won’t be quite the same traditional flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Italian Meatloaf Recipe is one of those dishes that brings warmth and joy in every bite, effortlessly combining familiar ingredients into something truly special. Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing guests, or craving comfort food with an Italian twist, this meatloaf is guaranteed to steal the show. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Classic Italian Meatloaf Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Classic Italian Meatloaf combines ground beef and mild Italian sausage with sautéed vegetables, Italian herbs, and cheeses, all baked to perfection with a savory marinara sauce topping. This flavorful and hearty dish serves 4 and makes a comforting meal for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Cheese
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground mild Italian sausage
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese (reserve 3/4 cup for topping)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Other Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 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
- 1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking during baking.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground Italian sausage, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, basil, and parsley, the beaten egg, Italian bread crumbs, crumbled white bread, milk, sautéed vegetables, 5.25 oz of shredded mozzarella cheese (reserve 2.75 oz for topping), and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything well until thoroughly combined.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Shape it evenly into a loaf shape to ensure uniform cooking.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the top of the shaped meatloaf in the pan.
- Bake the Meatloaf: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 75 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Add Cheese Topping: About 10 minutes before the end of the baking time, sprinkle the reserved 2.75 oz shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the meatloaf, allowing it to melt and brown slightly.
- Rest the Meatloaf: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.
- Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve warm. Optionally, top with extra marinara sauce for added flavor.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety.
- Letting the meatloaf rest after baking improves moisture retention and slicing.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute bread crumbs and white bread with gluten-free alternatives.
- Leftover meatloaf makes a great sandwich filling the next day.
- If you prefer a crispier top, broil the cheese topping for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
