Description
A comforting Classic Italian Meatloaf that blends rich flavors with nostalgia, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground mild Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon each of dried oregano, basil, and parsley
- 1 beaten egg
- 3/4 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 2 slices white bread, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese (reserve 3/4 cup for topping)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, Worcestershire sauce, dried herbs, beaten egg, bread crumbs, crumbled white bread, milk, and cooled vegetable mixture. Add 5.25 oz of mozzarella cheese and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
- Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- In the final 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle reserved mozzarella cheese on top.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm topped with additional marinara sauce if desired.
Notes
For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey. For dietary preferences, consider gluten-free bread crumbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian