Flavors Worth Savoring
The smell of spices and marinara sauce brings back memories of my childhood. I remember sitting at the dinner table with my family. We all looked forward to my grandmother’s Italian meatloaf.
Now, I’m excited to share this recipe with you. It lets you enjoy that same comfort and joy in your home.
This Italian meatloaf is a mix of ground beef, Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and Parmesan cheese. It’s quick to prepare, with only 20 minutes of prep time. Cooking it takes 60 minutes, so it’s ready fast.
It’s perfect for impressing guests or a cozy family dinner. This Italian meatloaf recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Perfect Italian Meatloaf: A Family Dinner Classic
Enjoy the rich flavors of this Italian meatloaf recipe, a beloved family dinner. It combines herbs, Parmesan cheese, and zesty marinara sauce. This dish brings an Italian twist to a classic comfort food.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This Italian meatloaf is special because of its balanced ingredients. It includes italian breadcrumbs, fresh basil, oregano, and a hint of garlic meatloaf. Capocollo slices add a unique flavor, making it truly Italian.
Key Recipe Details and Timing
This Italian meatloaf recipe takes only 1 hour to make. You’ll spend 10 minutes preparing and 45 minutes cooking. It serves 6, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Nutritional Benefits
Each serving of this Italian meatloaf has 471 calories, 31g of protein, and 35g of fat. It’s nutritious and filling. Adding shredded vegetables like zucchini or carrots boosts its nutritional value.
Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 471 |
Carbohydrates | 7g |
Protein | 31g |
Fat | 35g |
Sodium | 857mg |
“This Italian meatloaf recipe is a true family favorite. The blend of flavors and textures is simply irresistible.”
– Amanda Scarlati, Recipe Author
Get ready for a delightful mix of savory and comforting flavors in this Italian meatloaf recipe.
Essential Ingredients for Italian Meatloaf Recipe
Making a tasty Italian meatloaf is all about the right mix of ingredients. Start with 1.5-2 pounds of ground beef, 90% lean for juiciness. Add 1-2 cups of Italian herb breadcrumbs for crunch and flavor.
Don’t forget 1/2-3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for a rich taste. An egg binds the meatloaf, and a bit of milk keeps it moist.
Onion and garlic are key for the Italian seasoning. Use dried basil and dried oregano for flavor. A pinch of salt and pepper boosts the taste. Adding marinara sauce brings more Italian flair.
Shredded carrots or zucchini can make the meatloaf healthier. A drizzle of olive oil and a pat of butter for sautéing onions and garlic complete the list.
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Ground Beef | 1.5-2 pounds (90% lean) |
Italian Herb Breadcrumbs | 1-2 cups |
Grated Parmesan Cheese | 1/2-3/4 cup |
Egg | 1 |
Milk | As needed |
Onion | 1, diced |
Garlic | 2-3 cloves, minced |
Dried Basil | 1-2 teaspoons |
Dried Oregano | 1-2 teaspoons |
Salt | 1 teaspoon |
Black Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
Marinara Sauce | As needed |
Olive Oil | For sautéing |
Butter | For sautéing |
Carrots (optional) | Shredded |
Zucchini (optional) | Shredded |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious Italian meatloaf. It will impress your family and friends.
Kitchen Tools and Preparation Tips
Making the perfect italian meatloaf recipe needs the right tools and prep. You’ll need essential equipment and follow temperature guidelines for great results.
Required Equipment
You’ll need a few key tools to start. A large mixing bowl is essential for mixing ingredients. Use a 9×13-inch baking dish or a classic loaf pan for baking your parsley meatloaf.
A food processor is great for shredding veggies like carrots and zucchini. An instant-read thermometer is crucial for checking the meatloaf’s internal temperature.
Prep Work Essentials
- Chop onions, carrots, and zucchini into small, even pieces for a uniform texture.
- Mix the ground beef and pork with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and your choice of fresh herbs and seasonings.
- Shape the meatloaf mixture into a loaf and transfer it to the prepared baking dish.
Temperature Guidelines
Proper temperature control is key for a well-cooked italian meatloaf. Preheat your oven to 350-400°F (175-200°C). Bake the meatloaf until it reaches 160°F (70°C), which should take about 60 minutes. This ensures it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Yield |
---|---|---|---|---|
15 minutes | 1 hour | 1 hour 15 minutes | 8 servings | 1 meatloaf |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Ready to make a tasty Italian meatloaf recipe? First, heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the onions and garlic in olive oil until they smell great and are soft. This step adds flavor to your italian meatloaf.
Then, mix the ground beef, ground pork, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a big bowl. Mix everything gently with your hands. Don’t overmix.
- Shape the meat into a loaf and put it in a greased baking dish.
- Spread marinara sauce all over the meatloaf.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, until it’s 160°F (71°C) inside.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
For a cheesy topping, sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top in the last 10 minutes. This adds a yummy melted cheese layer to your italian meatloaf and marinara sauce.
Now you know how to make this italian meatloaf recipe. Enjoy it with your family or freeze it for later. Serve it with a salad and garlic bread for a full Italian feast!
Sauce and Topping Variations
While the traditional marinara sauce is a classic with Italian seasoning meatloaf, you can try new things. Adding shredded mozzarella cheese on top for the last 10 minutes of baking makes a cheesy crust. It’s a delightful twist.
For more flavor, mix ground beef with Italian sausage in the meatloaf. The sausage adds a savory, slightly spicy taste that goes well with marinara. Also, adding sun-dried tomatoes to the meat mixture brings a rich, umami flavor. It makes your Italian meatloaf even more complex and tasty.
Sauce and Topping Variations | Description |
---|---|
Marinara Sauce | The traditional and classic accompaniment to Italian meatloaf. |
Mozzarella Cheese Crust | Add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a delicious cheesy crust. |
Italian Sausage Mixture | Combine ground beef with Italian sausage for an extra savory, slightly spicy flavor profile. |
Sun-Dried Tomatoes | Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes into the meatloaf mixture for a burst of umami-rich flavor. |
These sauce and topping variations let you make the classic Italian meatloaf your own. They cater to your taste and make the dish even more delicious.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Your homemade italian meatloaf recipe is a hit with ground beef, Italian sausage, and spices. But how do you keep it tasty and moist? Let’s explore the best ways to store and reheat it.
You can make the ground beef meatloaf ahead and chill it before baking. This saves time and makes meal prep easier. After baking, it stays fresh in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. This way, you can enjoy it again without losing its quality.
To keep it longer, freeze the meatloaf for up to 3 months. Slice it first, then wrap each piece in plastic and foil. Finally, put them in a freezer bag. This keeps the meatloaf moist and flavorful, perfect for reheating just what you need.
Reheating Meatloaf
Ready to enjoy your italian meatloaf recipe again? Here are some reheating methods:
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet, cover, and heat for 20 to 30 minutes. Make sure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Air Fryer: Set to 350°F (175°C). Reheat slices for 5 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Microwave: Place slices on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in 1-2 minute intervals until warm.
Frozen meatloaf takes longer to reheat, about 30 to 45 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Use foil or broth to keep it moist.
By following these tips, your italian meatloaf recipe stays delicious for a long time. It’s a great way to enjoy your favorite dish again and again.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Make your Italian meatloaf recipe even better with tasty sides and wine. Pair it with roasted veggies like Parmesan-roasted potatoes or an Italian salad. This makes for a complete and tasty meal.
For a full Italian meal, add warm garlic bread and a rich red wine. Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon are great choices.
Enhance the look of your meatloaf with fresh basil or Parmesan cheese. This adds elegance and boosts the Italian taste. You can also turn leftovers into tasty sandwiches for the next day.
The Italian meatloaf is perfect for a cozy dinner or a big Italian feast. Its rich flavor goes well with many sides and wines. Try different pairings to find your favorite and make a memorable meal.