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
Scale
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
