Classic Italian Meatloaf

This hearty Classic Italian Meatloaf blends the savory goodness of ground beef and mild Italian sausage with fragrant herbs, sautéed vegetables, and a cheesy topping. Finished with rich marinara and melted mozzarella, this dish brings a bold Italian twist to a traditional comfort food favorite. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)

• 1 pound mild Italian sausage

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 1 cup Italian bread crumbs

• 2 slices white bread, crusts removed, torn into pieces

• ¼ cup milk

• 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup marinara sauce

Directions

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan.

2. Sauté Vegetables
   In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper; sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute. Set aside to cool.

3. Prepare Meat Mixture
   In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, basil, parsley, beaten egg, bread crumbs, torn white bread, milk, cooled sautéed vegetables, 5.25 oz of mozzarella (reserve 2.75 oz for topping), and Parmesan. Mix until fully incorporated.

4. Form Meatloaf
   Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing and shaping into a loaf.

5. Top with Marinara
   Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

6. Bake
   Bake for 60–75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

7. Add Cheese Topping
   About 10 minutes before it’s done, sprinkle the reserved mozzarella cheese on top and return to the oven.

8. Rest and Serve
   Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with extra marinara sauce if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~500 kcal

• Protein: 35 g

• Fat: 30 g

• Carbohydrates: 20 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 6 g

• Sodium: 800 mg

What Makes It “Italian”?

So what exactly transforms a basic meatloaf into an Italian masterpiece? It comes down to three key elements: ingredients, seasoning, and presentation.

First, the use of Italian sausage adds an extra layer of flavor and fat content that keeps the loaf moist and rich. Unlike ground beef alone, sausage carries its own seasoning, often with hints of fennel, garlic, and red pepper flakes.

Second, the inclusion of classic Italian herbs—oregano, basil, and parsley—imbues the meatloaf with the familiar, comforting aroma that’s usually reserved for pasta sauces and slow-simmered ragù.

Lastly, the mozzarella and marinara topping does more than just taste good—it creates an entirely new experience. When baked, the marinara seeps slightly into the meat, adding moisture and acidity that balances the richness of the meat and cheese. The melted mozzarella on top forms a gooey, golden crust that invites second helpings.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

While the Italian Meatloaf is a hearty main dish on its own, pairing it with the right sides can elevate the entire meal experience.

1. Pasta or Polenta:
Since the dish already incorporates marinara sauce, serving it alongside spaghetti or creamy polenta makes for a natural pairing. The carbs help soak up the flavorful sauce, turning the plate into a full Italian feast.

2. Garlic Bread or Focaccia:
For those who love a good bread component, a few slices of garlic bread or rosemary focaccia provide a crunchy contrast and additional vehicle for enjoying the extra sauce.

3. Simple Salads:
To balance the richness of the meatloaf, a crisp side salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a lemon vinaigrette is perfect. The acidity and freshness help cut through the savory depth of the loaf.

4. Roasted Vegetables:
Seasonal roasted vegetables—zucchini, eggplant, carrots, or even Brussels sprouts—round out the meal with both nutrition and color.

5. Wine Pairing:
For those looking to pair this dish with wine, go for a medium-bodied red like Chianti, Barbera, or even a Nero d’Avola. These wines have the acidity to complement the tomato sauce and enough structure to stand up to the rich meat and cheese.

Meal Prep Friendly and Freezer Approved

One of the great things about this Italian Meatloaf is its versatility for busy lifestyles. It can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. In fact, some say the flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even better the next day.

The meatloaf also freezes well. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap before freezing. It can be thawed overnight in the fridge and reheated in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. This makes it a smart option for batch cooking or prepping meals ahead of time.

Health Considerations and Nutrition

At approximately 500 calories per serving, this Italian Meatloaf is filling without being overly indulgent. It contains a solid 35 grams of protein, making it ideal for anyone looking to hit protein goals without sacrificing flavor.

While the fat content is on the higher side (30 grams), that’s expected due to the sausage and cheese. If you’re looking to lighten it up, consider using leaner ground beef or a mix of ground turkey and chicken sausage. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or opt for low-fat versions to adjust the nutritional profile.

There’s a modest 20 grams of carbohydrates, much of which comes from the breadcrumbs and milk-soaked bread. For those looking for a low-carb version, almond flour or crushed pork rinds can be substituted for breadcrumbs, and the milk-soaked bread can be omitted or replaced with a keto-friendly binder.

Why This Recipe Wins Hearts

At its core, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. The combination of comforting textures, gooey cheese, and bold Italian flavors makes it especially family-friendly. Kids love the familiar pizza-like flavor from the marinara and mozzarella, while adults appreciate the nuanced seasoning and hearty texture.

It’s also very forgiving—you don’t need to follow every measurement precisely to get a great result. It adapts easily to what’s in your pantry, and minor substitutions won’t compromise the dish. This makes it approachable even for beginner home cooks.

Conclusion

The Classic Italian Meatloaf represents everything we love about fusion cooking—it takes the best elements of two beloved cuisines and blends them into something new, comforting, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, hosting guests, or looking for a nostalgic dish with a modern twist, this recipe delivers.

With its savory mix of meats, herbs, cheeses, and sauce, it not only honors the traditional meatloaf but gives it new life. And best of all, it’s easy to make, easy to customize, and hard not to love.

Add this dish to your recipe rotation and let it become a regular at your dinner table. One bite, and you’ll see why this Italian Meatloaf is much more than just a variation—it’s a whole new classic in its own right.