Italian Meatloaf

A rectangular white dish showcases an Italian-inspired meatloaf topped with melted cheese and garnished with herbs. Several slices are cut at one end, revealing the juicy interior. A fork rests beside the meatloaf, which is elegantly surrounded by a rich red sauce. - 3

An Italian-inspired meatloaf topped with melted cheese and garnished with herbs is beautifully sliced in a white dish filled with rich tomato sauce. A serving utensil is placed next to it, ready to serve this delicious creation. - 4

Close-up of sliced Italian meatloaf topped with melted cheese and tomato sauce in a baking dish. A silver serving spoon is partially visible on the side. The seasoned meatloaf, rich with Italian cuisine flavors, is browned with juices pooling at the bottom of the dish. - 5

Close-up of a sliced Italian meatloaf in a baking dish, topped with melted cheese and garnished with herbs, resting in a bed of rich tomato sauce. - 7

This Italian Meatloaf combines ground beef, Parmesan, and marinara with melty mozzarella. It’s easy to make and bursting with flavor—a family favorite dinner!

in this article:

Delicious By Design
What You’ll Need
How To Make Italian Meatloaf
Make It Your Own
Recipe Tips
Storage & Freezing Instructions ❄
The Perfect Pairings
Italian Meatloaf

Imagine all the classic Italian flavors you love, like garlic, herbs, Parmesan cheese, and rich tomato sauce, but in a single, easy-to-make dish. This Italian Meatloaf is juicy, packed with savory spices, and topped with a deliciously tangy glaze that brings it all together. Served with a side of spaghetti, it’s a simple yet hearty meal that captures the taste of traditional Italian cooking, minus the time-consuming prep.

Delicious By Design

Using shredded zucchini moistens the meatloaf by adding extra moisture, preventing the meat from drying out during cooking.
Eggs and breadcrumbs help bind the ingredients , ensuring the meatballs stay firm and cohesive.
Fresh herbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese add a rich, deep flavor that enhances the dish.

What You’ll Need

A flat lay of Italian-inspired ingredients labeled for a meatloaf recipe: tomato sauce, ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, oil, zucchini, milk, parsley, garlic, mozzarella & parmesan cheese, salt & pepper in bowls and containers on a white background. - 10

This Italian Meatloaf recipe is full of easy-to-find ingredients, with a couple of simple substitutions if needed:

1 cup bread crumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned)
⅓ cup milk or water (plus more if needed for moistening)
2 lbs ground beef (80-85% lean for best texture and flavor)
2 large eggs
4 garlic cloves (minced for a punch of flavor)
1 small zucchini (shredded, optional but adds moisture)
Fresh parsley (a handful, finely chopped)
½ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Olive oil (if frying for extra flavor)
24 oz tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
4 oz mozzarella cheese (shredded)

You can swap the ground beef for a mixture of beef and pork or even use ground turkey for a lighter version. If you’re out of breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or panko make great substitutes.

JUMP TO RECIPE

How To Make Italian Meatloaf

You can find the full, printable recipe at the bottom of this post (click the button above), but you can read a summary with step-by-step instructions and photos for each step below.

Step 1: Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture Soak the breadcrumbs in milk or water for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the meatloaf stays moist and tender. If the breadcrumbs aren’t fully moistened, add more liquid 1 tablespoon at a time. (image 1)

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, breadcrumb mixture, minced garlic, shredded zucchini (if using), parsley, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mixing by hand works best to evenly distribute the ingredients without overworking the meat, which can make the loaf dense. (image 2)

Two images showcase the process of creating an Italian cuisine delight. The top image reveals unmixed ingredients like grated zucchini, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, and seasonings. Below, these components transform into a cohesive mixture, ideal for crafting a delicious Italian meatloaf. - 11

Step 3: Shape and Prepare for Baking Form the mixture into a loaf shape (about 9×5 inches) and place it in a greased baking dish.

A rectangular block of Italian-style meatloaf, infused with herbs, is displayed on a white surface. The mixture has a reddish tint with visible green and white flecks, showcasing the coarse texture typical of ground meat preparations. - 12

Pour tomato sauce evenly over the top, reserving a bit for serving later if desired. This adds moisture and infuses the meatloaf with Italian flavor.

An Italian-inspired meatloaf coated with a rich, red tomato-based sauce is placed in a rectangular white baking dish. The meatloaf is centered and surrounded by a flavorful layer of sauce. - 13

Step 4: Bake Cover with aluminum foil and bake in a 400°F oven for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. This ensures that the meat is fully cooked while keeping the meatloaf juicy.

Step 5: Add Mozzarella Uncover the dish, sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top, and return to the oven uncovered for 10-15 minutes. This step allows the cheese to melt and brown to perfection.(image 5)

Two images of an Italian meatloaf in a baking dish. The top image features the meatloaf adorned with shredded cheese pre-baking. The bottom image reveals the masterpiece post-baking, with cheese melted to perfection and slightly browned for an irresistible finish. - 14

Step 6: Rest and Serve Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This keeps it moist and allows the flavors to meld. Serve with the remaining marinara sauce.

Make It Your Own

This recipe is easy to adjust to your tastes. Add in some sautéed mushrooms for extra umami, or swap the zucchini for carrots or spinach for added veggies.

You could even mix in a bit of spicy Italian sausage for a kick of heat. If you prefer a lighter version, ground turkey or chicken works well too.

Recipe Tips

Don’t skip the breadcrumb soak! It’s key to a tender texture.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure you hit that 160°F for perfectly cooked meatloaf.
If your meatloaf looks dry while baking, add a little more marinara sauce on top to keep it moist.
Wet your hands before shaping the loaf to prevent the meat mixture from sticking.

Storage & Freezing Instructions ❄

Leftover Italian Meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

The Perfect Pairings

I used my Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce for this recipe, but you can use Marinara Sauce or store-bought if you prefer.

Pair your Italian Meatloaf with spaghetti, garlic bread , or a green salad with creamy Italian Dressing .

Slices of Italian-inspired cheesy meatloaf topped with melted cheese and tomato sauce in a baking dish. The meatloaf is garnished with herbs, and the sauce appears thick and rich. - 16

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Ingredients

▢ 1 cup bread crumbs (about 3.5 oz)
▢ ⅓ cup milk or water ( – plus more if needed)
▢ 2 lb ground beef ( 80-85% lean)
▢ 2 large eggs
▢ 4 garlic cloves ( minced)
▢ 1 small zucchini (shredded (optional))
▢ fresh parsley a good handful (finely chopped)
▢ ½ cup Parmesan cheese fresh grated
▢ Salt to taste (I use at least a tablespoon of salt)
▢ olive oil if frying
▢ freshly ground black pepper about 15 turns of the grinder
▢ 24 oz tomato sauce (homemade(or a 24oz/680g jar of store-bought.)
▢ 4 oz mozzarella cheese (shredded (about 1 cup))

Instructions

Mix the milk into the breadcrumbs and stir together. If not completely moistened, mix in more milk 1 tablespoon at a time to moisten the breadcrumbs fully. Let rest while you prep the rest of the ingredients (or at least 5 minutes).
In a large mixing bowl, add the beef, eggs, breadcrumb mixture, garlic, zucchini, parsley, and Parmesan cheese, and season with about a teaspoon of salt and freshly grated pepper. Using your hands or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, mix until combined.
Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 400°F/200°C. Spray broiler-safe 13 by 9-inch baking dish with vegetable oil spray.
Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared dish. With wet hands, shape it into a 9 by 5-inch loaf, Pour the sauce evenly over the meatloaf. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
Take the pan out of the oven, uncover the dish, and evenly sprinkle the meatloaf with the cheese. Preheat the broiler on high. Broil the meatloaf until the cheese melts, about 2 minutes. Allow it to rest for 15 minutes before serving.

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