Italian Meatloaf Parmesan is not your average meatloaf; it’s a delightful blend of savory flavors wrapped in a cheesy embrace. Imagine the aroma of garlic and herbs wafting through your kitchen while this beauty bakes, promising an explosion of taste with every bite. garlic herb mashed potatoes Pesto and Parmesan potatoes This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings, inviting everyone to the table with its hearty presence. creamy au gratin potatoes.
Picture this: you slice into the golden crust, revealing the tender interior, glistening with marinara sauce and bubbling cheese. It’s the kind of meal that sparks joy and creates memories. Whether it’s Sunday dinner or a weeknight treat, Italian Meatloaf Parmesan is bound to become a cherished family favorite that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. For more inspiration, check out this instant pot shredded beef recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Italian Meatloaf Parmesan is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The rich flavors meld beautifully, creating a comforting dish everyone will adore
- Its rustic appearance makes it visually appealing on any dinner table
- Versatile enough for leftovers or packed lunches, it’s a meal that keeps on giving
Family and friends can’t stop raving about how delicious this meatloaf turned out during our last family barbecue.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Aim for 80% lean to maintain moisture while still achieving that classic meatloaf texture.
- Italian Bread Crumbs: These add great flavor and help bind your meatloaf together without being too dry.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated for an authentic taste that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a burst of color and freshness; opt for vibrant green leaves for the best flavor.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic cloves will give you that aromatic kick; don’t skip out on these!
- Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together; use large eggs for best results.
- Marinara Sauce: Choose your favorite jarred sauce or homemade; it adds moisture and flavor in every bite.
- Mozzarella Cheese: For that gooey, melty topping that makes this dish irresistible—who doesn’t love cheese?
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Kitchen Space: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Combine Your Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix ground beef, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and eggs until combined but don’t overmix—it should feel like a cozy hug! For more inspiration, check out this beef and cheese manicotti recipe.
Add Some Flavor Boosters: Pour in half of your marinara sauce into the mixture. Stir gently until everything is well-coated and flavorful; this creates a juicy meatloaf experience.
Scoop and Shape Your Meatloaf: Transfer the mixture into your greased loaf pan. Shape it gently into a loaf form without squishing too much—it needs room to breathe!
Add Sauce and Cheese Topping: Spread the remaining marinara sauce over the top generously. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese because more cheese equals more happiness!
Bake Away!: Place your loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown!
Don’t forget to let your meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing—it allows all those wonderful juices to redistribute! Serve with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Now you have an irresistible Italian Meatloaf Parmesan ready to wow yourself and anyone who’s lucky enough to share it with you! Enjoy each bite filled with laughter, good company, and maybe even some spontaneous dance moves in between bites!
You Must Know
- Italian Meatloaf Parmesan is a delightful mix of comfort food and Italian flavors
- The aroma of garlic and herbs fills your kitchen, promising a hearty meal that will leave everyone satisfied
- This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing the meatloaf ingredients and letting them chill briefly. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to ensure even cooking. As the meatloaf bakes, prepare your marinara sauce to maximize flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground turkey for beef or add diced vegetables for extra nutrition. You can also experiment with different cheeses like provolone or mozzarella for a twist on the classic recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to preserve texture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a juicy meatloaf, avoid overmixing the meat mixture; it can become tough
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried for vibrant flavor, and let it rest before slicing to keep juices intact
Sharing this recipe with friends brought back fond memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, where laughter and delicious food always filled the air. pumpkin hummus for appetizers.
FAQ
What can I serve with Italian Meatloaf Parmesan?
Pair it with garlic bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Can I freeze Italian Meatloaf Parmesan?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking or after cooking for easy future meals.
How long does it take to cook Italian Meatloaf Parmesan?
It typically takes about one hour to bake at 350°F until fully cooked.
Italian Meatloaf Parmesan
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Italian Meatloaf Parmesan is a savory twist on the classic meatloaf, featuring a delicious blend of ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, and gooey mozzarella, all enveloped in rich marinara sauce. This comforting dish fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, inviting family and friends to gather around the table. Simple to prepare and perfect for cozy dinners or casual get-togethers, this recipe promises to become a beloved favorite that delights with every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup marinara sauce (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, and eggs until just mixed.
- Add half of the marinara sauce and stir gently until well-coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
- Spread the remaining marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (120g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
