Description
This Italian Meatloaf recipe offers a comforting and savory twist on the classic comfort food. Combining ground beef with Parmesan cheese, herbs, garlic, and a tangy marinara sauce topping, this meatloaf is flavorful and tender. Perfectly baked to juicy perfection, it’s an ideal dish for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Topping
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the meatloaf evenly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are well incorporated without overworking the meat.
- Shape Meatloaf: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it into a baking dish, making sure it’s compact and uniform for even cooking.
- Add Sauce: Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf to add moisture and flavor as it bakes.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C), ensuring the meat is cooked safely through.
- Rest: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meatloaf moist.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding finely chopped onions or bell peppers to the mixture.
- Using fresh breadcrumbs can improve texture compared to store-bought.
- Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps prevent it from crumbling.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F to guarantee safety when cooking ground beef.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or sliced cold for sandwiches.
