Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy, flavorful meatloaf that combines the best of Italian ingredients – ground beef, savory sausage, and an assortment of vegetables. This show-stopping dish is elevated by a rich and tangy marinara sauce, reminiscent of a hearty meatball bathed in its own savory goodness. The result is a satisfying meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort and time. This Italian-inspired meatloaf is a crowd-pleaser, pairing well with classic sides like spaghetti, garlic bread, or both! For those who love the flavors of Italy, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. If you’re looking for more mouthwatering options, consider trying gnocchi foil packets, classic Italian rice salad, homemade frittata, or a sweet ricotta pie.
Why You’ll Love This
Indulge in the rich flavors of Italy with this mouth-watering meatloaf recipe, infused with savory elements like Italian sausage, melted Italian cheese, and tangy marinara sauce. What’s more, this dish is remarkably effortless to prepare – think of it as a giant meatball without the fuss! The best part? You can tailor the protein blend to your liking, using everything from classic ground beef to spicy sausage or a combination of your favorite flavors. The possibilities are endless!
How to Make Italian Meatloaf
To begin, preheat your oven to a consistent temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, prepare the vegetables by mincing them along with garlic in a food processor until they reach your desired consistency. Then, cook the minced vegetable mixture in olive oil within a medium-sized skillet for approximately five minutes or until tender. Allow the mixture to cool for an additional five minutes before proceeding.In a large bowl, whisk together eggs with basil, fennel seeds, and salt and pepper to create a smooth blend. Add the meats, breadcrumbs, cooled vegetable mixture, and one cup of cheese to the bowl, combining all the ingredients thoroughly.Using your hands, shape the meatloaf mixture into an 8×4-inch rectangle. Place the meatloaf in the center of a baking dish, spreading a cup of marinara sauce over the base. Top the meatloaf with the remaining tomato sauce and proceed to bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.As the cooking time nears its end, add the remaining cheese on top and continue baking for an additional ten minutes or until the cheese has melted. Once cooked, allow the meatloaf to rest before slicing and serving. Consider garnishing with fresh basil leaves for a visually appealing presentation.
Substitutions and Variations
For a gluten-free twist, substitute traditional breadcrumbs with their gluten-free counterparts. Feel free to get creative with your ground meats too – combine beef, pork, turkey, or even spicy sausage for a unique flavor profile. If you want to add an extra kick, consider using spicy sausage and pairing it with chili powder or hot sauce for a bold take on the classic meatloaf recipe.
How to Store Italian Meatloaf
When storing leftovers, keep them covered and refrigerated for a maximum of three days. If you’re planning ahead, this meatloaf can be frozen whole or portioned for up to 90 days. To safely thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight. For reheating, simply nuke it in the microwave until hot throughout or pop it in a preheated oven to achieve the same result.
Top Tips
When assembling the meatloaf mixture, consider adding more Italian-style breadcrumbs to help bind the ingredients together and maintain a cohesive texture. If your mixture still appears too loose to shape into the pan comfortably, this addition will provide the necessary structure.
In terms of baking vessels, you have flexibility with this recipe. Any roasting pan, baking pan, oven dish, or rimmed baking sheet that can accommodate an 8-inch by 4-inch meatloaf will suffice. The key is ensuring your chosen vessel can contain the mixture without overflowing during cooking.
To guarantee a perfectly cooked meatloaf, it’s crucial to check its internal temperature. A reliable method for achieving this is by using a meat thermometer. For food safety purposes, aim for an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the center of the meatloaf.
Best Italian Meatloaf Recipe FAQs
The recipe doesn’t require a loaf pan as the meatloaf will be partially submerged in tomato sauce and topped with cheese. Instead, use a rimmed baking sheet or a baking dish to accommodate its shape. You can mold it into a loaf shape or get creative with a free-form design. For leftovers, you can reheat them with whatever accompaniments you originally had, or try something new like a meatloaf sandwich for a satisfying lunch.
Italian Meatloaf Recipe
Italian Meatloaf
Bella Bucchiotti brings us a delightful Italian-inspired meatloaf recipe, where tender beef and mild sausage are perfectly paired with an array of colorful vegetables, savory seasonings, and a rich marinara sauce. This mouthwatering dish is sure to become a family favorite, requiring just 15 minutes of prep time and a total of 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to finish. Enjoy your delicious Italian meatloaf, serving 8 people with ease.
Instructions
To begin preparing your meatloaf, start by preheating your oven to a comfortable 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, prepare your baking dish or rimmed sheet pan by giving it a light coating of nonstick cooking spray. Set this aside for now. In a food processor, combine the onion, carrots, bell pepper, celery, and garlic, then pulse until they’re finely minced. Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the minced vegetables, and cook them until they’re soft and tender, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Let these veggies cool for about 5 minutes before proceeding. Meanwhile, whisk together some eggs, basil, salt, pepper, and fennel seeds in a large bowl. Add your ground beef, Italian sausage, bread crumbs, one cup of cheese blend, and the cooked vegetables to this egg mixture, mixing everything with your hands until it’s all evenly combined. Use this meat mixture to shape an 8-by-4-inch loaf, then spread about a cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Carefully place the meatloaf into the dish using a spatula for assistance, if needed. Top the meatloaf with another layer of marinara sauce, followed by a couple of tablespoons of cheese blend to give it an extra burst of flavor. Pop this bad boy in the oven and bake it for about 50 to 55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165 degrees Fahrenheit. During the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining quarter cup of cheese blend on top and let it melt before serving. Once cooked through, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving it up with some fresh basil leaves, if you’re feeling fancy.
Notes
To achieve a cohesive texture, you may need to make some adjustments to your meatloaf mixture. If it appears too loose to shape into the desired loaf form, adding more Italian-style breadcrumbs can help bind the ingredients together. These crumbs will not only add flavor but also provide structural integrity. When it comes to baking vessels, versatility is key. Any roasting pan, baking pan, oven dish, or rimmed baking sheet that measures at least 8 inches by 4 inches will suffice. Simply ensure that your chosen container can accommodate the meatloaf’s dimensions. Finally, for optimal food safety, a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to determine when the meatloaf has reached a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.