There is something magical about the smell of herbs on a crisp fall evening. You walk inside and feel the warmth of the oven. This Italian style meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food. It is a simple dish that feels like a big hug. You can have a delicious dinner ready without any stress. Let’s get cooking together!
It is 6pm and you are tired. Dinner needs to happen fast for your family. You want something that tastes like it took hours. This recipe delivers that slow-cooked flavor in much less time. It is the perfect answer for your busy weeknight cravings. Everyone will be running to the kitchen for a taste.
Why This Italian Style Meatloaf Is a Winner
This recipe is a favorite for busy fall weeknights. It blends ground beef with savory Italian sausage. This combination ensures every bite is incredibly juicy. You will love the rich marinara glaze on top. It adds a sweet and tangy finish to the loaf. It is a budget-friendly way to feed your entire family.
The addition of Parmesan cheese creates a wonderful depth. Fresh parsley brings a bright note to every slice. You do not have to worry about a dry meatloaf here. The milk and eggs keep the texture light and soft. Your holiday guests will also be very impressed by this dish. Dinner will be a success every single time you make it.
This dish is also very versatile for your pantry. You likely have most of these ingredients already. It is a great way to use up extra marinara. The Italian breadcrumbs provide the perfect structure for the loaf. It holds together beautifully for easy slicing and serving. You will reach for this recipe again and again.
Simple Cooking Method
Making this meatloaf is very easy and fun. You only need one large bowl for mixing. Sautéing the onions first adds a wonderful sweetness. This step makes the texture perfectly tender. Even if you are a beginner, you can do this. It is a foolproof way to make a great meal.
The oven does most of the hard work for you. You can relax while the house smells amazing. Shaping the loaf is quick and very satisfying. You can use a pan or a baking sheet. Both methods result in a golden, delicious crust. You will feel like a pro in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
We use simple ingredients to create big flavors today. Most of these are likely in your kitchen now.
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean)
- 0.5 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped
- 1 cup marinara sauce, divided
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small skillet, sauté diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat until translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, milk, Parmesan cheese, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce.
- Add the cooled onion and garlic mixture to the bowl.
- Mix by hand until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat to ensure a tender texture.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan or shape into a loaf on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove from oven and spread the remaining 1/2 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the top.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Pair this Italian style meatloaf with a big pile of pasta. Or try it with garlic mashed potatoes. A crisp Caesar salad balances the rich flavors perfectly. This is a top-tier weeknight dinner for your family. Set the table and light a candle for a cozy vibe. Enjoy it with your favorite people tonight.
You can also serve it with roasted green beans. The bright green color looks beautiful on the plate. Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top. A warm loaf of garlic bread is also great. It helps soak up any extra marinara sauce. This meal is truly a feast for the senses.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers are often better the next day for lunch. Wrap the loaf tightly in foil or plastic. It keeps well in the fridge for three days. You can also freeze it for a quick meal later. Reheat gently to keep that juicy texture. It makes the best cold sandwiches for a busy day. Simply use a microwave or toaster oven.
If you freeze it, thaw it in the fridge first. This ensures it heats through evenly and stays moist. You can even slice it before freezing for convenience. This makes it easy to grab one portion at a time. It is a meal prep dream for busy families. You will love having this ready to go.
Recipe Tips for Best Results
- Do not skip sautéing the onions for the best flavor.
- Avoid overmixing the meat so it stays light and tender.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure it is perfectly cooked.
- Let the meatloaf rest so the juices stay inside.
- Double the batch for holiday guests to feed a crowd.
- Use 80/20 ground beef for the best moisture and taste.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Use ground turkey for a lighter, leaner version.
- Swap marinara for a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a kick.
- In summer, swap dried oregano for fresh garden herbs.
- Add a layer of mozzarella in the middle for cheese lovers.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it allergy-friendly.
Common Questions
Can I make this Italian style meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the mixture the day before. Keep it covered in the fridge until you bake. This is perfect for stress-free entertaining or busy nights. It allows the flavors to meld even more.
What if I don’t have Italian sausage?
You can use all ground beef if you prefer. Just add an extra teaspoon of Italian seasoning. This will help keep the flavor profile very similar. It will still be a delicious and hearty meal.
Will my kids enjoy this recipe?
Most kids love the pizza-like flavors in this dish. The marinara and Parmesan make it very approachable for picky eaters. It is a fun way to serve a classic dinner. They might even ask for seconds!
I hope this cozy recipe brightens your fall evenings. Give it a try and let every bite warm you up. Happy cooking!
— Lidia
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean)
- 0.5 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs , lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped
- 1 cup marinara sauce, divided
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small skillet, sauté diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat until translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, milk, Parmesan cheese, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce.
- Add the cooled onion and garlic mixture to the bowl.
- Mix by hand until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat to ensure a tender texture.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan or shape into a loaf on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove from oven and spread the remaining 1/2 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the top.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
