Italian Meatloaf

If you’re looking to bring a touch of Italian flair to your dinner table, this Italian Meatloaf recipe is just the ticket. Combining traditional meatloaf comfort with robust Italian flavors, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for something hearty and flavorful. Let’s dive into the recipe and cooking instructions to make your weeknight dinners anything but ordinary.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Italian or white bread, crusts removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1/2 cup white onion, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon flat-leaf parsley, minced, plus more for garnish (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, minced
• 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
• 1/2 pound lean ground beef
• 1 pound bulk Italian sausage
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 3/4 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 1 cup mozzarella and fontina cheese, shredded, divided
• 3/4 cup marinara sauce, divided, plus more for serving

Directions:

1. Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
2. Bread Soaking: In a small bowl, combine the bread cubes with milk and set aside for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the milk fully. This helps keep the meatloaf moist and tender.
3. Creating the Flavor Base: In a large mixing bowl, mash the soaked bread into a paste. Add the minced onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, and salt. Mixing these ingredients before adding the meat ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed.
4. Meat Mixture: To the bowl, add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking the meat into small pieces for even mixing. Add Worcestershire sauce, the beaten egg, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, half of the shredded cheeses (1/2 cup), and a quarter cup of the marinara sauce.
5. Mixing: Gently mix all the ingredients until just combined. It’s important not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
6. Forming the Loaf: Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan, shaping it into a neat loaf. Pour half a cup of marinara sauce over the top of the loaf to add moisture and flavor.
7. Baking: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. After this time, remove the meatloaf and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheeses over the top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Resting: Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf, making it easier to slice and serve.
9. Serving: Serve slices of meatloaf with additional marinara sauce on the side and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 488 kcal per serving
• Total Prep and Cooking Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 4

This Italian Meatloaf recipe is not just delicious but also a wonderful way to bring the family together over a meal that is comforting and packed with flavor. Try it tonight and watch it become a new family favorite!