Description
This Italian Meatloaf puts a delicious Mediterranean spin on the classic comfort food. Made with a savory mix of ground beef, Italian sausage, fresh herbs, and parmesan cheese, it’s baked to perfection and finished with a blanket of marinara sauce. Juicy, tender, and full of flavor, this family-friendly recipe makes a hearty main course everyone will rave about.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/4 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 1 cup marinara sauce, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Prep the Aromatics. In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before using.
- Mix the Meatloaf Base. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, eggs, grated parmesan, parsley, oregano, salt, black pepper, and the cooled onion-garlic mixture. Use clean hands or a fork to gently mix until just combined—avoid overmixing for a tender meatloaf.
- Shape and Top. Turn the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and form into a loaf shape (or press it into the loaf pan). Spoon half the marinara sauce evenly over the top of the loaf.
- Bake. Transfer to the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 160°F (71°C) and the top is bubbling and golden.
- Rest and Finish. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to set. Warm the remaining marinara sauce as desired.
- Serve. Slice the meatloaf and serve with the additional warmed marinara sauce on the side. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and sausage.
- Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps retain juices and makes for neater slices.
- Feel free to add a handful of shredded mozzarella to the mix or as a topping for a cheesy twist.
- This recipe can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge, unbaked, up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of meatloaf
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 120mg