Description
This Classic Italian Meatloaf combines ground beef and Italian sausage with flavorful herbs, sautéed vegetables, and a blend of cheeses for a hearty, comforting meal. Topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, it offers a delicious Italian-inspired twist on a traditional favorite, perfect 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 Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, basil, and parsley, beaten egg, Italian bread crumbs, crumbled white bread, milk, sautéed vegetables, 5.25 oz (about 2/3) of shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Form Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture into the greased loaf pan, shaping it into a loaf evenly.
- Add Sauce: Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the top of the shaped meatloaf.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes until the meatloaf is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Add Cheese Topping: In the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle the reserved 2.75 oz shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the meatloaf to melt and brown slightly.
- Rest Meatloaf: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices and improve texture.
- Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve warm. Add additional marinara sauce on top if desired.
Notes
- Ensure the meat is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to guarantee safety.
- Sautéing the vegetables beforehand enhances flavor and moisture.
- Letting the meatloaf rest after baking helps juices redistribute for a moist result.
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- For added flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning blends.
