Italian Meatloaf with Marinara and Cheese for Family Dinners (Print version)
A tender Italian-style meatloaf made with beef, pork, parmesan, marinara, and melted mozzarella for a cozy family dinner.
# Ingredients:
For the meatloaf
01 -
3/4 cup (45 g) panko breadcrumbs
02 -
1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
03 -
1 1/4 lb (565 g) ground beef, 85% to 90% lean
04 -
3/4 lb (340 g) ground pork
05 -
1 large egg, lightly beaten
06 -
1/2 cup (45 g) finely grated parmesan cheese
07 -
1 small yellow onion, finely grated or minced
08 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
09 -
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for serving
10 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
11 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt
12 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
13 -
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
14 -
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
15 -
1/4 cup (60 ml) marinara sauce
For the topping
16 -
1 1/2 cups (360 ml) marinara sauce, divided
17 -
1 cup (115 g) shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
18 -
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
# Instructions:
01 -
Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and heat to 375°F. Lightly oil a 9x13-inch baking dish or line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment.
02 -
In a large bowl, stir the panko breadcrumbs and milk together. Let stand for 5 minutes so the crumbs soften.
03 -
Add the beef, pork, egg, parmesan, onion, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, and 1/4 cup marinara. Mix gently with your hands just until combined.
04 -
Shape the mixture into a free-form loaf about 9 inches long in the prepared dish. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the center is close to 150°F.
05 -
Spoon 1 cup marinara over the top of the loaf and scatter with mozzarella and parmesan. Return to the oven for 12-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the center reaches 160°F.
06 -
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes. Warm the remaining marinara and spoon it around the slices, then finish with parsley.
# Good to know:
01 -
Use a free-form loaf for better browning and cleaner texture.
02 -
Rest 10 minutes before slicing for the neatest pieces.
03 -
Warm extra marinara for serving at the table.