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Italian Meatloaf Recipe

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4.4 from 13 reviews

A savory Italian Meatloaf combining ground beef and pork with aromatic herbs, garlic, and a rich marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a hearty, comforting meal perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Meatloaf Mixture

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil (divided)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ cup marinara sauce

Topping

  • ¾ cup marinara sauce (remaining amount)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly oil a large baking sheet to prevent sticking and help with cleanup.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, eggs, Panko breadcrumbs, half of the chopped fresh basil, salt, black pepper, and ½ cup of marinara sauce. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  3. Shape and Bake: Form the mixture into a loaf shape on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the remaining ¾ cup of marinara sauce evenly over the top of the loaf. Place in the oven and bake for 50 minutes.
  4. Add Toppings and Finish Baking: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, along with the remaining fresh basil. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F.
  • Panko breadcrumbs help keep the loaf light and moist.
  • Fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic flavor that complements the Italian seasoning.
  • Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
  • This recipe yields 8 servings, ideal for family meals or leftovers.