A hearty, comforting classic with an Italian twist! This Italian Meatloaf is tender, loaded with herbs, filled with melty mozzarella, and topped with rich marinara. It’s the perfect family dinner — juicy, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful. Serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 eggs
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup marinara sauce, plus extra for serving
2 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. - Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large bowl, combine:
ground beef
breadcrumbs
eggs
onion
garlic
oregano
basil
salt
black pepper
milk
Mix gently with your hands until everything is evenly combined.
- Add the Cheese
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and 1 cup mozzarella. You can also reserve some mozzarella to sprinkle on top later. - Shape the Meatloaf
Transfer the mixture to the loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf, pressing gently so it holds together. - Top with Marinara
Spread 1 cup marinara sauce over the top of the meatloaf. - Bake
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through (internal temperature 160°F / 71°C). - Add More Cheese (Optional but Recommended!)
During the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top and return to the oven until melted and bubbly. - Rest and Serve
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes, then slice and serve with extra warm marinara sauce and fresh parsley.
Enjoy