Here’s a detailed, step-by-step article on making the Best Italian Meatloaf—a comforting dish that blends classic meatloaf with Italian flavors.

Best Italian Meatloaf: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Comfort Dish

If you love the hearty goodness of meatloaf but crave a touch of Italian flair, this Italian Meatloaf recipe is your perfect solution. Bursting with herbs, cheese, and tangy tomato sauce, it transforms a simple comfort meal into a family favorite that’s both savory and satisfying.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

1 ½ pounds (700 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for richer flavor)
½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed or shredded
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup milk
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a mild kick)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Step-by-Step Method

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Prepare the Meat Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and parsley.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk, then pour into the meat mixture.
Sprinkle in oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

Tip: Use your hands to gently mix everything until just combined. Overmixing can make the meatloaf dense.