This Italian Meatloaf blends the comforting flavors of ground beef, Parmesan, and marinara sauce with melty mozzarella cheese. It's savory, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying.
Course Dinner, Main, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Keyword Italian Meatloaf, italian style meatloaf, Meatloaf Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutesminutes
Cook Time 1 hourhour
Total Time 1 hourhour15 minutesminutes
Servings 8
Calories 370
Author Erren Hart
Ingredients
1cupbread crumbsabout 3.5 oz
⅓cupmilk or water - plus more if needed
2lbground beef 80-85% lean
2large eggs
4garlic cloves minced
1small zucchinishredded (optional)
fresh parsley a good handfulfinely chopped
½cupParmesan cheese fresh grated
Salt to tasteI use at least a tablespoon of salt
olive oil if frying
freshly ground black pepper about 15 turns of the grinder
24oztomato saucehomemade(or a 24oz/680g jar of store-bought.
4ozmozzarella cheeseshredded (about 1 cup)
US Customary - Metric
Instructions
Mix the milk into the breadcrumbs and stir together. If not completely moistened, mix in more milk 1 tablespoon at a time to moisten the breadcrumbs fully. Let rest while you prep the rest of the ingredients (or at least 5 minutes).
In a large mixing bowl, add the beef, eggs, breadcrumb mixture, garlic, zucchini, parsley, and Parmesan cheese, and season with about a teaspoon of salt and freshly grated pepper. Using your hands or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, mix until combined.
Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 400°F/200°C. Spray broiler-safe 13 by 9-inch baking dish with vegetable oil spray.
Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared dish. With wet hands, shape it into a 9 by 5-inch loaf, Pour the sauce evenly over the meatloaf. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
Take the pan out of the oven, uncover the dish, and evenly sprinkle the meatloaf with the cheese. Preheat the broiler on high. Broil the meatloaf until the cheese melts, about 2 minutes. Allow it to rest for 15 minutes before serving.