Italian meatloaf is a flavorful twist on the classic comfort food. It’s typically made with ground beef or a mixture of ground meats, along with Italian seasonings and ingredients that give it an Italian flair. Here’s a basic recipe for Italian meatloaf:
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (or a mixture of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (green or red)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or ketchup
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or ketchup
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Prepare the Meatloaf:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, fresh parsley, fresh basil, fresh oregano (or dried herbs), salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add the eggs to the mixture and mix everything together until it’s well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it can make the meatloaf tough.
Shape and Bake:
- Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish or shape it into a loaf on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Spread the 1/2 cup of tomato sauce or ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce.
- Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until it’s cooked through, and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Rest and Serve:
- Let the Italian meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Serve the Italian meatloaf with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a salad. You can also make a simple tomato sauce or gravy to serve alongside it if you like.
Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other Italian ingredients like chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or grated mozzarella cheese for extra flavor. Enjoy your homemade Italian meatloaf!