Italian Meatloaf Recipe – 6 Delicious Ingredients

As a busy mom, I’m always looking for comforting, family-friendly recipes that are easy to prepare and full of flavor. That’s why I’m thrilled to share my favorite Italian meatloaf recipe with you today. It’s a tasty variation of a classic comfort food that’s sure to become a family favorite.

I discovered this authentic Italian-style meatloaf recipe a few years ago, and it’s been a staple in my kitchen ever since. The secret lies in the carefully chosen ingredients, which come together to create a meal that’s both flavorful and satisfying. Every bite is bursting with the savory taste of ground beef, complemented by tantalizing Italian herbs and spices.

What I love most about this classic Italian meatloaf is how it brings my family together. There’s something special about sharing a hearty, homemade meal around the table. This recipe is always a hit, whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Even the pickiest eaters in the family will love it!

The Perfect Italian-Style Comfort Food

Italian meatloaf is a dish that’s hard to beat when it comes to comfort food. It’s like a giant meatball, packed with Italian flavors. Fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese make it even more irresistible, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma.

What Makes Italian Meatloaf Special

What sets Italian meatloaf apart is how it blends traditional Italian flavors with a hearty main dish. Unlike American meatloaf, this recipe focuses on Mediterranean tastes, which makes it both comforting and full of flavor.

Key Mediterranean Flavors

The ingredients in Italian meatloaf give it its unique taste. Fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and tomato sauce all play a crucial role. Together, they transport you straight to the sunny hills of Italy. This meatloaf, with its Italian seasonings, is both hearty and mouthwatering.

If you’re craving a hearty Italian meatloaf dinner or simply want to enjoy authentic Italian flavors, this recipe is perfect. The mix of savory, herbaceous, and cheesy flavors makes it the ultimate Italian comfort food that everyone will love.

Essential Ingredients for Italian Meatloaf Recipe

To make an authentic Italian meatloaf, you need the right mix of ingredients. Ground beef makes the meatloaf juicy and rich, while Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and marinara sauce add that Mediterranean flavor.

Other essential ingredients include eggs, milk, onion, garlic, basil, and oregano. They help bind the meatloaf and add amazing aroma. For extra flavor and texture, you can also add diced tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.

Ingredient	Quantity
Ground beef	2 pounds
Italian-style breadcrumbs	1 cup
Grated Parmesan cheese	1/2 cup
Eggs	2 large
Milk	1/2 cup
Onion, finely chopped	1 medium
Garlic, minced	3 cloves
Dried basil	1 teaspoon
Dried oregano	1 teaspoon
Salt and black pepper	To taste
Marinara sauce	1 cup

👉🏻 Watch this video to make a healthy meatloaf recipe.

Kitchen Tools and Preparation Time

To make this tasty Italian meatloaf, you’ll need a few essential tools and some planning. A food processor is handy for chopping vegetables, while a large mixing bowl is perfect for combining the ingredients. A baking sheet or loaf pan will work for baking the meatloaf.

Required Equipment

• Food processor
• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet or loaf pan

Time Management Tips

Preparation for this Italian-style meatloaf takes about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 65-70 minutes in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before you begin mixing the ingredients.

Temperature Guidelines

Ensure the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) to confirm it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.

Step-by-Step Mixing Instructions

Making the perfect Italian meatloaf starts with mixing the ingredients. Begin by mixing eggs, Worcestershire sauce, basil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This mixture helps bind the meatloaf together.

Next, add the ground meat. For the best flavor, use 80/20 or 80/15 ground beef. For an authentic Italian touch, mix 1 lb of ground Italian sausage with 1 lb of ground beef.

Then, add the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Optionally, mix in 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning for every cup of breadcrumbs. Add sautéed garlic and diced onion for an extra flavor boost. Finally, mix everything together with your hands to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Vegetable Base Preparation

Start by using a food processor to chop the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic finely. After chopping, sauté the vegetables in olive oil for 5-7 minutes over medium heat until softened. This step enhances the flavors of the vegetables, ensuring the meatloaf is full of richness.

Sautéing Techniques

• Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
• Add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, and garlic to the skillet.
• Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened, but not browned.
• Remove from heat and let the vegetable mix cool slightly before adding it to the meatloaf mixture.

Shaping and Baking Methods

When baking your Italian meatloaf, you have two options: free-form or loaf pan. Free-form baking on a foil-lined sheet results in a crispy crust all around, while the loaf pan keeps the meatloaf moist and gives it a uniform shape.

Marinara Topping Tips

For an added burst of flavor, spread marinara sauce over the meatloaf and top it with mozzarella cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking. This adds a cheesy, savory finish to the dish.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This Italian meatloaf is packed with protein, making it a great choice for a hearty meal. Each serving contains about 585 calories, 42g of fat, 15g of carbs, and 35g of protein. Serve with pasta or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Freezing Guidelines

Store leftover meatloaf in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. For reheating, ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C). Uncooked meatloaf can be frozen for up to 3 months for future baking.

FAQ

• What makes Italian meatloaf special? It combines Mediterranean flavors like fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese in a hearty, meaty dish.
• What are the key ingredients in an Italian meatloaf recipe? Ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, milk, onion, garlic, basil, and oregano.
• What equipment is needed to make Italian meatloaf? A food processor, large mixing bowl, and a baking sheet or loaf pan.
• How long does it take to make Italian meatloaf? Preparation takes 15 minutes, and cooking takes about 65-70 minutes.
• What’s the cooking temperature and time for Italian meatloaf? Bake at 350°F (175°C) until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
• How do I properly mix the meatloaf ingredients? Mix the ingredients by hand to ensure they’re evenly distributed.
• How do I prepare the vegetable base? Sauté chopped vegetables in olive oil until softened, then let them cool before mixing into the meatloaf.
• What seasoning and cheese combinations work best for Italian meatloaf? Use basil, oregano, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for authentic flavor, and add mozzarella for a cheesy touch.
• How do I shape and bake the Italian meatloaf? Shape the mixture into a loaf on a foil-lined baking sheet, and top with marinara sauce before baking.
• What are the nutrition facts for Italian meatloaf? One serving has 585 calories, 42g fat, 15g carbs, and 35g protein.
• How do I store and reheat leftover Italian meatloaf? Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.