I have an absolute gem of a recipe for you today: Easy Italian Meatloaf! This dish has become a staple in my kitchen and holds a special place in my heart, not just because it’s delicious, but also because it reminds me of cozy family dinners around the table. Picture this: it’s Sunday evening, the aroma of savory meatloaf fills the air, and my loved ones gather, eagerly anticipating the feast ahead. Ah, just thinking about it brings a smile to my face!
What I love most about this Italian Meatloaf is how it takes the classic comfort dish and gives it a delightful twist with that rich marinara sauce and bubbly mozzarella topping. It’s the kind of meal that makes your heart sing and your taste buds dance. Plus, it’s straightforward to whip up, which means more time enjoying the food and less time slaving in the kitchen. Let’s dive right into the details!
What’s in Easy Italian Meatloaf?
Ground Beef: This is the backbone of our meatloaf! I typically go for a lean variety to keep it moist without being too greasy.
Italian Breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs are seasoned and add a wonderful texture while soaking up flavors. Trust me, you want Italian ones for this dish!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh Parmesan gives the meatloaf an irresistible umami flavor. It also helps with moisture, creating a tender loaf.
Milk: Just half a cup is used to keep our loaf nice and rich. Whole milk is great, but low-fat works fine too!
Fresh Parsley: I adore the bright, herbaceous notes that fresh parsley brings to this dish, along with a pop of color.
Onion: Finely chopped onion gives a sweet, aromatic note that melds beautifully with the meat.
Garlic: Because more garlic is always better! It adds depth and a lovely savory flavor throughout the meatloaf.
Egg: This little guy acts as a binder, holding everything together into a beautifully cohesive loaf.
Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs that screams Italian! Think basil, oregano, and thyme – you can even mix your own if you’re feeling adventurous.
Salt and Pepper: Classic seasonings that elevate the dish – don’t skimp on these!
Marinara Sauce: We use this to coat the top of the meatloaf, adding a flavorful kick as it bakes.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The gooey, melty topping we all crave – it takes the meatloaf to an entirely new level!
Is Easy Italian Meatloaf Good for You?
Absolutely, friends! While this comfort food might not top the list of “health foods,” it does have several redeeming qualities:
Lean Ground Beef: When opting for leaner cuts, you get a good source of protein to fuel your body without too many calories.
Parmesan Cheese: Provides calcium and protein, and a little goes a long way in flavor!
Fresh Parsley: Not only does it enhance the taste, but it also packs vitamins and antioxidants.
The one downside? If you’re watching your sodium intake, be mindful of the marinara sauce and cheese choices. Look for lower-sodium options to keep everything balanced.
Ingredients List
This recipe serves about 6 people.
– 1 ½ pounds ground beef
– 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 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?
1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a loaf pan lightly – this helps prevent sticking.
2. In a big mixing bowl, mix together the ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, chopped parsley, onion, garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to blend everything together until well combined.
3. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared loaf pan. It should be firm and hold its shape.
4. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the top of your meatloaf. This will keep it moist while adding tons of flavor!
5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes. The meat should be cooked through but still tender; you can use a meat thermometer to check if it’s reached 160°F (70°C).
6. After 60 minutes, take the meatloaf out and sprinkle that glorious mozzarella cheese on top. Pop it back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Finally, let your meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. If you want to, serve it up with extra marinara sauce for that perfect sauce-to-meatloaf ratio!
Delicious Inspirations: Serving Ideas
This Italian meatloaf is fabulous on its own, but I love pairing it with some sides. A nice helping of spaghetti drizzled with olive oil, a side salad, or some warm garlic bread makes the meal even more amazing. Feeling adventurous? Throw in some diced bell peppers or olives into the mixture for a twist!
I can’t wait for you to give this Easy Italian Meatloaf a try! It’s a dish that fills the belly and warms the heart, just like a hug from a loved one. When you do make it, be sure to share your experience! Happy cooking!
