Description
Hearty classic Italian meatloaf brings robust flavors from Mediterranean ingredients. Savory ground beef, herbs, and parmesan cheese combine for a comforting meal you will want to devour.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound bulk Italian sausage
- ½ pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup mozzarella and fontina cheese, shredded, divided
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- ¾ cup bread crumbs
- 1 cup Italian or white bread, crusts removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tbsp milk
- ¾ cup marinara, divided, plus more for serving
- ½ cup white onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp flat-leaf parsley, minced, plus more for garnish (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano, minced
- 1 tsp coarse kosher salt
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or parchment paper for effortless removal.
- Bread Mixture: Soak bread cubes in milk, then combine with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, and salt to create a fragrant herb-infused paste.
- Meat Blend: Gently fold ground beef and Italian sausage into the herb mixture, ensuring even distribution without compressing the meat too firmly.
- Flavor Enhancement: Incorporate Worcestershire sauce, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, mozzarella, and marinara sauce, mixing delicately to preserve the meat’s tender texture.
- Shaping and Initial Baking: Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared pan, forming a compact loaf, and spread additional marinara sauce across the top. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes until the meat is thoroughly cooked and develops a rich, golden crust.
- Cheese Finale: Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and optional Italian seasoning over the meatloaf, returning to the oven for a final 5 minutes to create a melted, bubbling topping.
- Serving: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute, then slice and serve with extra marinara sauce for added moisture and flavor.
Notes
- Moisture Magic: Soaking bread in milk creates a tender, juicy texture that prevents dry, tough meatloaf.
- Gentle Mixing Technique: Handle meat mixture with light touches to avoid compressing proteins, which can make meatloaf dense and tough.
- Cheese Distribution: Incorporate mozzarella and Parmesan throughout the mixture for melty pockets of flavor and added richness.
- Resting Ritual: Allowing meatloaf to rest after baking helps redistribute juices, ensuring each slice remains succulent and flavorful.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg