If you’re tired of making the same meatloaf recipe that your mom made when you were growing up, then it’s time to take your meatloaf to the next level.
You can do so by trying this delicious Italian meatloaf that everyone at your dinner table is sure to love.
Italian Meatloaf
In addition to the recipe, you can read the answers to some frequently asked questions about making this dish, as well as some helpful tips to help your recipe come out perfectly.
Italian Meatloaf
It is loaded with flavor and of course plenty of cheese!
Italian Meatloaf
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Why Do I Love Italian Meatloaf?
I love this easy Italian meatloaf recipe, because it’s very flavorful, easy to make, and it goes well with a number of different side dishes that really complement this meatloaf.
Italian Meatloaf
What is the Secret to Moist Meatloaf?
No one likes dry, hard meatloaf, and the key to moist meatloaf is to use high-fat meat, as lean meat will result in a dryer meatloaf that is less desirable.
What Ingredient Keeps Meatloaf from Falling Apart?
Eggs and some type of bread can be used as binders, to help hold your meatloaf together. Some people use croutons or bread crumbs, while other people use crushed-up bread or even oatmeal.
Why Do You Put Milk in Meatloaf?
Bread crumbs can make your meatloaf dry by reducing some of the necessary moisture, but milk adds back some of the lost moisture, which can help you bake a perfectly moist meatloaf.
How to Serve Italian Meatloaf?
There is no wrong way to serve Italian meatloaf. Whether you want to serve it with your favorite pasta noodles and broccoli, or mashed potatoes and brussel sprouts, or something else totally different, they are all wonderful ways to serve this dish.
Cooking Tips:
Be sure to follow the recipe precisely, for the best results, especially if you’re new to the world of cooking. If you’re an experienced cook, then you are knowledgeable of some small tweaks you can make without compromising the outcome of the recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/2 lb. ground mild Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 C. chopped bell pepper
- 1 tsp. olive oil
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp. oregano
- 1/2 tsp. basil
- 1/2 tsp. parsley
- 1 egg, beaten
- 3/4 C. Italian bread crumbs
- 2 slices white bread, crumbled
- 1 T. milk
- 8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese, reserve 3/4 C. for topping
- 1/4 C. parmesan cheese
- 1 C. marinara sauce, plus 1/2 -3/4 C. more for topping
Instructions:
In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over med. high heat and sauté the onion and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes, remove from heat.
In a large bowl, add the meats, onion and peppers along with all remaining ingredients reserving 3/4 C. mozzarella cheese for topping.
Now, dive in there with the best tools God gave you, your hands and combine everything really good. Once it has all come together, place and mold the mixture in a baking dish of your choice. I used my oval Portuguese stoneware for ours.
Spoon 1/2 to 3/4 C. of the marinara sauce on top and spread around. Place in a 400 degree oven for 50 minutes. Remove from the oven and top with the remaining cheese and sprinkle a little dry basil over the top .
Return to the oven for 10 more minutes.
Make sure the meat is not pink before serving, baking time will vary depending on the thickness of your loaf
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