Description
This Italian-inspired meatloaf takes comfort food to the next level. Blended with Parmesan, herbs, and breadcrumbs, the meat is layered with gooey mozzarella and baked under a savory marinara glaze. Every slice is tender, cheesy, and bursting with flavor — perfect for a cozy dinner with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground beef (or mix with pork/veal for richer flavor)
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- ¾ cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a loaf pan or baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, milk, garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined — don’t overmix.
- Place half of the meat mixture in the pan and shape into a base layer. Create a shallow groove down the center and fill it with shredded mozzarella. Cover with the remaining meat mixture and seal the edges to encase the cheese.
- Mix marinara sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Spread evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Sprinkle additional mozzarella over the top and bake for 5–10 minutes until melted and bubbly.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with extra warm marinara on the side.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps maintain its shape.
- This dish pairs well with garlic mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg