Description
This Classic Italian Meatloaf blends ground beef and mild Italian sausage with aromatic herbs, sautéed vegetables, and a cheesy center, all baked to perfection and topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. It’s a comforting, hearty meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground mild Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 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
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese (reserve 3/4 cup for topping)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping and Sauce
- 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 to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and chopped bell pepper, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool.
- Combine Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, Italian sausage, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, basil, parsley, beaten egg, Italian bread crumbs, crumbled white bread, milk, the cooled sautéed vegetables, 5.25 oz of shredded mozzarella cheese (reserve 2.75 oz for topping), and grated Parmesan cheese. Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Shape Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture into the greased loaf pan, shaping it into a loaf form evenly.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce over the top of the shaped meatloaf, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the Meatloaf: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 75 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) signaling it is fully cooked.
- Add Cheese Topping: During the final 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle the reserved shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the meatloaf to melt and brown slightly.
- Rest the Meatloaf: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute for easier slicing.
- Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve warm. Optionally, top with extra marinara sauce for added flavor.
Notes
- Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps maintain its shape and juiciness.
- Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter flavor.
- To save time, prepare the sautéed vegetables in advance.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F to safely cook ground meats.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
