Description
A hearty, cheesy, and flavor-packed twist on classic meatloaf, this Easy Italian Meatloaf is filled with Parmesan, Italian herbs, and marinara, then topped with melty mozzarella. It’s a comforting main dish that pairs beautifully with pasta, salads, or roasted vegetables, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- Chopped parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Parmesan, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, parsley, and 1/2 cup marinara sauce.
- Mix gently by hand or with a spatula until just combined.
- Shape mixture into a loaf and place into the prepared pan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil, spread 1/2 cup marinara over the top, and sprinkle with mozzarella.
- Bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, until cheese is melted and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil.