Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite easy Italian meatloaf! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, packed with all those comforting flavors we love about Italian cuisine. This meatloaf is not only delicious, but it’s also super simple to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without losing your mind in the kitchen. My family adores it, and I can’t help but smile every time I see them go back for seconds (or thirds!). Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your home too. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies if you want to add a little twist! Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make my delicious easy Italian meatloaf. Don’t worry; it’s all pretty straightforward!
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (I like using Italian-seasoned ones for extra flavor!)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (fresh herbs make a world of difference)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce (this is the magic touch on top)
Make sure to grab everything before you start, so you can just dive right into the mixing and baking. It’s all about keeping it easy and fun!
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your meatloaf cooks evenly and develops that beautiful, savory crust we all love. Trust me, starting with a properly heated oven makes a world of difference!
Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, egg, milk, salt, and pepper. Now, get in there with your hands (yes, it’s messy but oh-so-fun!) and mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want a nice, cohesive texture that holds together but isn’t overly packed—think of it like giving your meatloaf a little love! It should feel slightly moist but not too wet.
Shape and Bake
Next up, shape that glorious mixture into a loaf. Place it gently in a baking dish, making sure to create a nice even shape. Now, here’s the fun part: spread a generous layer of marinara sauce over the top. This adds a burst of flavor and keeps the meatloaf moist while baking! Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Rest and Serve
Once it’s done baking, resist the urge to slice it right away! Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial because it allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every slice moist and flavorful. After the wait, slice it up and serve it warm—your family and friends will be raving about it!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of my easy Italian meatloaf. Keep in mind, these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Protein: 25g
This meatloaf is not only hearty and satisfying but also packs a punch of protein to keep you fueled up! Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—whip it up in just 15 minutes!
- One-bowl wonder for easy cleanup—less mess, more enjoyment!
- Flavor-packed with Italian herbs and a rich marinara sauce on top.
- Hearty and satisfying, perfect for a family dinner.
- Versatile—serve it with pasta, salad, or even in a sandwich the next day!
- Kid-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
- Great for meal prep—enjoy leftovers for days!
Tips for Success
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your meatloaf is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 160°F (70°C). This way, you won’t have to worry about it being undercooked or dry!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to a dense meatloaf. Just mix until everything is combined and holds together—trust me, your meatloaf will thank you!
- Add Moisture: If you find your meatloaf is a bit dry, consider adding a splash more milk or even a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor and moisture. Yum!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to play around with herbs and spices. A pinch of oregano or some crushed red pepper flakes can really amp up the flavor profile. Get creative!
- Let It Rest: Seriously, don’t skip the resting time after baking! Allowing the meatloaf to rest for those 10 minutes keeps it juicy and makes slicing a breeze.
Variations
Ready to mix things up a bit? Here are some fun variations to take your easy Italian meatloaf to the next level!
- Herb-Infused: Try adding fresh basil or oregano for a burst of flavor. Just chop them finely and mix them in with the other ingredients.
- Veggie-Packed: Sneak in some finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini. It adds moisture and nutrition without sacrificing taste!
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. It’ll give your meatloaf a delightful zing!
- Cheesy Goodness: For an extra layer of flavor, mix in some shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese into the meat mixture. Ooh la la, melty goodness!
Feel free to get creative and experiment with what you have on hand. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility, so let your taste buds guide you!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To keep your easy Italian meatloaf fresh, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay good in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the meatloaf in a baking dish, and cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices for a quick fix—just be careful not to overdo it, or it might get a bit dry!
Easy Italian Meatloaf: 7 Comforting Flavors to Savor
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious Italian-style meatloaf.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, egg, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
- Spread marinara sauce over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for better flavor.
- Serve with pasta or salad.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: easy italian meatloaf
