Name: Easy Italian Meatloaf: 5 Amazing Secrets for Comfort Cooking
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup chopped parsley; 1/4 cup milk; 2 eggs; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup marinara sauce

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this easy Italian meatloaf! Seriously, it’s one of those recipes that makes you feel like a culinary genius without spending all day in the kitchen. The best part? It’s packed with flavor, thanks to the rich marinara sauce and savory Parmesan cheese, yet it comes together in just a few simple steps. I love how this dish combines comfort and tradition, making it perfect for family dinners or even a cozy night in. Trust me, once you try this meatloaf, you’ll want to make it again and again!

easy italian meatloaf - detail 1

Ingredients List

To whip up this delicious easy Italian meatloaf, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll gather:

1 pound ground beef – the star of the show!
1 cup breadcrumbs – these add texture and help bind everything together.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – for that rich, cheesy flavor.
1/2 cup chopped parsley – fresh herbs brighten up the dish.
1/4 cup milk – this keeps the meatloaf moist and tender.
2 eggs – they act like a glue to hold everything together.
2 cloves garlic, minced – because garlic makes everything better!
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – a blend of herbs that captures the essence of Italy.
Salt and pepper to taste – don’t forget these for seasoning!
1 cup marinara sauce – for that luscious topping that pulls it all together.

How to Prepare Instructions

Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your meatloaf cooks evenly and comes out perfectly tender. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than a cold center!

Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, milk, eggs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Use your hands (yes, get in there!) or a spoon to mix everything until it’s well combined but be careful not to overmix. You want a nice, cohesive mixture without it getting tough!

Shape and Bake the Meatloaf

Now, it’s time to shape your meatloaf! Gently form the mixture into a loaf shape and carefully place it in a baking dish. I love to make sure it’s nicely rounded on top for that classic look! Once it’s in the dish, spread that marinara sauce generously over the top. This adds moisture and flavor—yum! Bake it in the preheated oven for about an hour, or until the internal temperature hits 160°F (70°C). Your kitchen will smell heavenly during this time!

Rest and Serve

Once it’s done baking, let your meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice super moist and flavorful. Serve it warm, and don’t forget to drizzle a little extra marinara on top!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s super quick to prepare, taking just about 15 minutes to get everything in the oven.
Baking instead of frying means less mess and healthier cooking.
The flavor is absolutely divine, with every bite bursting with Italian goodness from the herbs and marinara.
It’s a family-friendly meal that even picky eaters will enjoy!
Leftovers taste even better the next day, making for fantastic sandwiches or quick meals.
Plus, it’s gluten-free if you use the right breadcrumbs!

Tips for Success

Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your easy Italian meatloaf turns out perfectly every time! First, if you’re out of breadcrumbs, you can easily substitute crushed crackers or even oats for a different twist. For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or some diced bell peppers into the mix. Make sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer – it should hit 160°F (70°C) for safety. And if you want a crispy top, broil it for a couple of minutes at the end! Trust me, these little tweaks make a big difference!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of this delicious easy Italian meatloaf:

Calories: 350
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 600mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 25g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy this hearty dish knowing it’s packed with protein and flavor!

FAQ Section

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a lighter option, and you can still enjoy all that delicious Italian flavor.

How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer; it should read 160°F (70°C) in the center. If you don’t have one, check that it’s no longer pink inside.

Can I make this meatloaf in advance?
You bet! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge before baking. Just be sure to bake it within a day or two.

What can I serve with meatloaf?
Mashed potatoes and a fresh salad are classic pairings, but feel free to get creative with your sides!

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to three months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!

For more delicious recipes, check out this easy Italian meatloaf recipe or explore creamy tomato basil soup for a perfect pairing!

Imprimer

Easy Italian Meatloaf: 5 Amazing Secrets for Comfort Cooking

Auteur: Julia marin
Temps Total: 1 hour 15 minutes
Rendement: 4 servings 1x
Alimentation: Sans Gluten

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Description

A simple and delicious Italian meatloaf recipe.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, milk, eggs, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Mix until well combined.
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
Spread marinara sauce over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.