Italian Meatloaf (Print)

Juicy beef and pork blend with Italian seasonings, topped with marinara and melted mozzarella for a flavorful family meal.

# Ingredients:

→ Meat

01 - 1 pound (450g) ground beef
02 - ½ pound (225g) ground pork

→ Base Components

03 - 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
04 - ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - ½ cup milk
09 - 1 cup marinara sauce, divided

→ Seasonings

10 - 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Topping

12 - ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
13 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking pan or loaf pan, or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, eggs, and milk. Add ½ cup marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
03 - Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and shape into a compact loaf, pressing down lightly to ensure stability.
04 - Spread the remaining ½ cup of marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
05 - Place in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes until cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
06 - During the final few minutes of baking, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top and return to the oven until melted and bubbly.
07 - Remove from oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to help the meatloaf set properly.
08 - Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with additional marinara sauce on the side if desired.

# Notes:

01 - Mix ground beef and pork for a richer flavor profile, though you can use just one type if preferred
02 - Italian breadcrumbs add extra flavor, but plain breadcrumbs with added Italian herbs work well too
03 - Consider experimenting with different cheeses like provolone or Asiago for variation
04 - Quality marinara sauce significantly impacts the final flavor, homemade is an excellent option
05 - Cooking times may vary by oven, so using a meat thermometer ensures perfect doneness
06 - Leftover meatloaf makes excellent sandwiches, either reheated or cold