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.
What You’ll Need
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.
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 MixtureSoak 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 IngredientsIn 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) Step 3: Shape and Prepare for BakingForm the mixture into a loaf shape (about 9×5 inches) and place it in a greased baking dish. 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. Step 4: BakeCover 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 MozzarellaUncover 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) Step 6: Rest and ServeLet 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.
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. 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. Pair your Italian Meatloaf with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a green salad with creamy Italian Dressing. Erren’s Kitchen is written and produced for informational intentions only. We are not certified nutritionists, and the nutritional information found on this site has not been assessed or authorized by a nutritionist or the FDA. The nutritional information found in our recipes is offered as an estimate and should not be considered a guarantee or fact. The estimated data is provided as a courtesy and calculated through a third-party online nutritional calculator, spoonacular API. Although we do our best to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered rough estimates. Many factors, such as brands or products purchased and the nutritional fluctuations that naturally occur in fresh produce, can alter the effectiveness of the nutritional information in any recipe. Furthermore, various online calculators provide different results depending on their particular algorithms and nutrition fact sources. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
