Italian Meatloaf with Marinara and Mozzarella Recipe
This Italian Meatloaf recipe combines ground beef and pork with Italian seasonings, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese for a flavorful twist on a classic comfort dish. Baked to perfection in the oven and topped with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella, it’s a hearty meal perfect for family dinners.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 2/3 cup plain bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup marinara sauce (divided)
Cheese
- 1 8-ounce block mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/3 cup marinara sauce (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large loaf pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, eggs, and 1 cup of marinara sauce until well combined.
- Prepare Cheese: Cut approximately 1/4 of the mozzarella block and refrigerate it for later use. Cut the remaining cheese into 1/2 inch cubes.
- Add Cheese to Meat: Fold the cubed mozzarella cheese into the meat mixture evenly for pockets of melted cheese inside the meatloaf.
- Shape and Bake: Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan, shaping it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches at least 150°F.
- Add Toppings: Spread the remaining 1/3 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the top of the partially baked meatloaf. Then shred the reserved mozzarella cheese and sprinkle it on top.
- Final Bake: Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the meatloaf rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Slice and serve warm for the best flavor and juiciness.
Notes
- Use fresh breadcrumbs for better texture or substitute with panko breadcrumbs.
- Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps retain juices and makes slicing easier.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure doneness and food safety.
- Marinara sauce can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
- Feel free to add chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor.
