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    Home » Recipes » Sunday Dinner

    Italian Meatloaf Recipe

    Published: Jan 19, 2021 · Modified: Feb 6, 2023 by Amanda · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads

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    Jump to Recipe
    sliced italian meatloaf topped with marinara sauce
    sliced meatloaf on a platter with marinara

    This Italian meatloaf recipe is infused with Italian spices and parmesan cheese and topped with homemade sauce. It's the perfect warm and filling meal when it's chilly outside and puts a nostalgic twist on a classic meatloaf.

    freshly baked partially sliced meatloaf topped with marinara on a white oval tray

    This post was originally published in December 2017 and has been updated for content.

    Italian food is always comfort food to me. This Italian style version of a traditional meatloaf recipe is the ultimate comfort food and makes an excellent Sunday dinner.

    It uses simple ingredients and only takes 10 minutes to put together. It's basically like a giant meatball. What more could you want?

    This would be a great recipe served with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, balsamic roasted brussels sprouts, or italian pesto bread.

    Jump to:
    • 🍅 Ingredient notes
    • 📋 Substitutions and variations
    • 🔪 Step by step instructions
    • ⭐ Expert tips
    • 💭 Frequently asked questions
    • ⏲️ Make ahead and storage instructions
    • 🍝 More comfort food recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    🍅 Ingredient notes

    • Meat - A 50/50 combination of ground beef and ground pork adds extra moisture and flavor that makes a tender meatloaf. All ground beef can be used if that is what you prefer.
    • Bread - Instead of using bread crumbs, a slice of bread that is soaked in milk for great texture and flavor. Regular sandwich bread is just fine!
    • Sauce - I love using my italian gravy for this recipe, however your favorite store bought marinara can be used as well.

    📋 Substitutions and variations

    • Sausage - Replace some of the beef and pork with spicy or mild ground Italian sausage for a slightly different flavor.
    • Spicy - Add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning to zest this meatloaf up a bit!
    • Gluten free - To make this meatloaf gluten free, make sure the marinara is gluten free and use gluten free bread.
    • Dairy free - Substitute the whole milk for unsweetened dairy free milk or beef broth and omit the parmesan cheese. Make sure that the bread and marinara you are using are also dairy free.

    🔪 Step by step instructions

    First, pour the milk over the slice of bread in a small bowl and set it aside. In large bowl combine ground beef and pork with a large egg, the dried herbs, kosher salt, black pepper and the parmesan cheese.

    Add in the milk-soaked bread and mix everything together with a spoon or clean hands until they are just combined. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape on a sheet pan or baking dish lined with parchment paper or in large loaf pan.

    ground meat, cheese and spices in a bowl and unbaked meatloaf mixture on a sheet pan

    Bake the meatloaf in a 350˚ oven for about 20 minutes and then top with the marinara sauce. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 155˚. Let the meatloaf rest for about 5-10 minutes and then slice and serve!

    baked meatloaf topped with marinara and sliced meatloaf with marinara on white plate with a fork

    If you ever don't recognize a tool or skill that I mention, be sure to look it up in the Glossary of Cooking Terms and Definitions for more information.


    ⭐ Expert tips

    • For the best meatloaf, be careful not to over mix the mixture. Gently mixing by hand or with a mixing spoon until the ingredients are just incorporated is best.
    • To make sure the meatloaf is cooked properly, check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a minimum temperature of 155˚.
    • Letting the meatloaf rest after cooking will allow the juices to reabsorb into the meat so it stays juicy after slicing it.

    💭 Frequently asked questions

    Why do you add milk to meatloaf?

    The milk combined with the bread mixes together to help add and retain moisture while the meatloaf is cooking. It also makes a flavorful meatloaf!

    Should you cover meatloaf while cooking?

    It's not necessary to cover a meatloaf while it's cooking, however if you want to loosely add a piece of foil over the top of it, it will help retain some moisture. Remove the foil when you add the marinara and let it continue to cook uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes.

    ⏲️ Make ahead and storage instructions

    This delicious meatloaf can be prepared ahead of time and stored uncooked on the sheet pan. Cover it tightly in plastic and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours ahead of time. Remove the uncooked meatloaf from the refrigerator 30-60 minutes before cooking time or cooking times will be longer.

    Leftovers of this Italian dish will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days and can be either reheated in the microwave or oven. They are definitely better the next day!

    For a quick overview of this recipe, check out my web story on this delicious meatloaf with marinara!

    🍝 More comfort food recipes

    If you loved this Italian meatloaf recipe, check out these other comfort food recipes that I know you will love too!

    • Sunday Pot Roast Dinner
    • Baked Sausage and Peppers
    • The Perfect Classic Italian Lasagna
    • One Pot Chicken and Rice

    Don't Forget! If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and give it a rating. I love to hear from each and every one of you! Tag me on Facebook and Instagram as well! It makes my day to see all of your photos of the food you have made.


    📖 Recipe

    partially sliced italian meatloaf on a white platter

    Italian Meatloaf Recipe

    Amanda
    This Italian meatloaf recipe is infused with Italian spices and parmesan cheese and topped with homemade sauce. It's the perfect warm and filling meal when it's chilly outside and puts a nostalgic twist on a classic meatloaf.
    4.94 from 15 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 45 mins
    Resting Time 5 mins
    Total Time 1 hr
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American, Italian
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 472 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 slice white bread
    • ¼ cup whole milk
    • 1 pound ground beef
    • 1 pound ground pork
    • 1 large egg
    • 2 teaspoons dried parsley
    • 2 teaspoons dried basil
    • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
    • 1 cup italian gravy or marinara

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. 
    • Place the slice of bread in a small bowl and pour milk over the top of it. Set aside. 
    • In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Add in milk soaked bread and mix together with hands until ingredients are incorporated. Do not over mix.
    • Turn mixture out onto prepared baking sheet and shape into loaf.
    • Bake meatloaf in preheated oven for about 20 minutes. Top with italian gravy and continue to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155°.
    • Remove meatloaf from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

    Notes

    • Be careful not to over mix the meatloaf mixture or it will get tough. Gently mixing by hand or with a mixing spoon until the ingredients are just incorporated is best.
    • To make sure the meatloaf is cooked properly, check the internal temperature using a kitchen thermometer to ensure it reaches a minimum temperature of 155˚.
    • Letting the meatloaf rest after cooking will allow the juices to reabsorb into the meat so it stays juicy after slicing it.
     

    Substitutions and Variations

    • Ground meat - Using a 50/50 combination of ground beef and pork adds extra moisture and flavor, however, all ground beef can be used as well. 
    • Sauce - Either homemade italian gravy can be used for this recipe, store bought marinara.
    • Gluten free - Use gluten free bread and gluten free marinara
    • Dairy free - Substitute the whole milk for unsweetened dairy free milk or beef broth and omit the parmesan cheese. Make sure that the bread and marinara are also dairy free.
     

    Make Ahead and Storage Suggestions

    This meatloaf can be prepared ahead of time and stored uncooked on the sheet pan. Cover it tightly in plastic and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours ahead of time. Remove the uncooked meatloaf from the refrigerator 30-60 minutes before cooking time or cooking times will be longer.
    Leftovers will keep in a airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days and can be either reheated in the microwave or oven.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 5ouncesCalories: 472kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 32gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 147mgSodium: 860mgPotassium: 628mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 332IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 171mgIron: 4mg
    Did You Make This Recipe?Mention @SaporitoKitchen or tag #SaporitoKitchen!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. nancy

      February 01, 2022 at 2:29 pm

      5 stars
      really hearty meatloaf that's a great one pan meal

      Reply
      • Amanda

        February 01, 2022 at 3:08 pm

        Thanks Nancy!

        Reply
    2. Terri Wilkins

      October 11, 2021 at 5:15 pm

      4 stars
      Easy and tasty so I will definitely make this again. I would use only 1/2 tsp of salt though and figure 10-15 minutes more cooking time. This was a hit in my house! Thank you for the recipe.

      Reply
      • Amanda

        October 12, 2021 at 12:05 pm

        I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    3. Tess

      February 09, 2021 at 7:28 am

      I’m going to be honest, I am not a meatloaf fan, but when I saw the pictures of this my mouth was watering! I decided to give it a try and I was not disappointed! It was so delicious, I can’t wait to eat the leftovers for lunch!

      Reply
      • Amanda

        February 09, 2021 at 8:36 am

        I'm so happy to hear that Tess, thank you for trying!

        Reply
    4. Marissa & Alyssa

      January 22, 2021 at 5:21 pm

      Oh man, we can't tell how good this looks. We love meatloaf, especially during these cold months. We can't wait to give this recipe a try.

      Reply
      • Amanda

        January 25, 2021 at 8:44 am

        Thank you so much!

        Reply
    5. Heather

      January 20, 2021 at 9:09 pm

      5 stars
      This was a hit with my family. As my husband normally doesn’t care for meatloaf, my boys were a bit wary until they tasted it. Both boys and my husband went back for more. I wish I could say I had leftovers for tomorrow. 🙂

      Reply
      • Amanda

        January 21, 2021 at 10:39 am

        I'm so glad your family loved this recipe! Thank you for trying 🙂

        Reply

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