Italian Meatloaf

If you’re tired of making the same meatloaf recipe that your mom made when you were growing up, then it’s time to take your meatloaf to the next level.

You can do so by trying this delicious Italian meatloaf that everyone at your dinner table is sure to love.

In addition to the recipe, you can read the answers to some frequently asked questions about making this dish, as well as some helpful tips to help your recipe come out perfectly. 

It is loaded with flavor and of course plenty of cheese!

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Why Do I Love Italian Meatloaf?

I love this easy Italian meatloaf recipe, because it’s very flavorful, easy to make, and it goes well with a number of different side dishes that really complement this meatloaf. 

What is the Secret to Moist Meatloaf?

No one likes dry, hard meatloaf, and the key to moist meatloaf is to use high-fat meat, as lean meat will result in a dryer meatloaf that is less desirable. 

What Ingredient Keeps Meatloaf from Falling Apart?

Eggs and some type of bread can be used as binders, to help hold your meatloaf together. Some people use croutons or bread crumbs, while other people use crushed-up bread or even oatmeal. 

Why Do You Put Milk in Meatloaf?

Bread crumbs can make your meatloaf dry by reducing some of the necessary moisture, but milk adds back some of the lost moisture, which can help you bake a perfectly moist meatloaf. 

How to Serve Italian Meatloaf?

There is no wrong way to serve Italian meatloaf. Whether you want to serve it with your favorite pasta noodles and broccoli, or mashed potatoes and brussel sprouts, or something else totally different, they are all wonderful ways to serve this dish. 

Cooking Tips:

Be sure to follow the recipe precisely, for the best results, especially if you’re new to the world of cooking. If you’re an experienced cook, then you are knowledgeable of some small tweaks you can make without compromising the outcome of the recipe.

Variations:

There is an unlimited number of ways to vary your Italian meatloaf, and the good thing is that meatloaf isn’t a dish that can be negatively affected by too many customizations. So, if you want to add some ingredients to your meatloaf, or you’re interested in making substitutions, it can be easily done. 

Ingredients:

• Ground beef 80/20
• Ground mild Italian sausage
• Yellow onion
• Bell pepper
• Olive oil
• Worcestershire sauce
• Minced garlic
• Oregano
• Basil
• Parsley
• Eggs
• Italian bread crumbs
• Panko
• Milk
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Shredded mozzarella
• Parmesan cheese

How to make Italian Meatloaf:

Step 1. In a small skillet, over med-high heat, add your olive oil, onion, and bell pepper and saute for 3-4 minutes.

Step 2. Stir often until the onions are translucent.

Step 3. Set to the side to cool.

Step 4. In a large bowl, add the beef, sausage, onion mixture, seasonings, eggs, milk, cheese, bread crumbs, panko, and Worcestershire sauce.

Step 5. Mix to combine using your hands.

Step 6. Spray your loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 7. Place the meatloaf mixture into a loaf pan, and press to evenly distribute the meatloaf mixture.

Step 8. Place in a 400-degree oven for 50 minutes.

Step 9. Remove from the oven and top with the remaining cheese and sprinkle a little dry basil over the top.

Step 10. Return to the oven for 10 more minutes.

SAVE this recipe on Pinterest for later 🙂

How to Store Italian Meatloaf?

You should store Italian meatloaf as you would any leftovers in an airtight container to prevent air from reaching it and accelerating the growth of bacteria. An airtight container also helps your leftover Italian meatloaf to retain its flavor, because that is a common problem with leftovers, a loss of flavor after being refrigerated and then reheated. 

How to Reheat Italian Meatloaf?

The key to perfectly reheated meatloaf is doing so at a low temperature, in order to retain the moisture. You should add a tablespoon or two of beef broth to the meatloaf, before placing it in the oven for 25 minutes, at 250 F. Your meatloaf should turn out as flavorful and as moist as it was initially. 

How Long Does Italian Meatloaf Last in the Fridge?

If you store the leftover Italian meatloaf in an airtight container, you can expect it to stay fresh for as long as four days. After that, you need to place it in the freezer, where it could stay fresh for up to three months. 

Can I Make Italian Meatloaf in Advance?

Yes, you can most definitely make this Italian meatloaf recipe ahead of time if you can’t make it the same day you’ll be serving it. In fact, this can be easily refrigerated, or even frozen ahead of time, until you’re ready to bake and serve it. 

Related Recipes you Might Enjoy:

Since you’re going to be making this meatloaf, you will likely need some sides to accompany it. Here are some that you might like: 

Homemade Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes – everyone loves mashed potatoes with their meatloaf, and this mashed potato recipe will go well with it. 

Banana Split Pudding – this is a dessert that you might want to serve after enjoying your wonderful meatloaf meal. 

Oven Roasted Potatoes – this is an alternative to mashed potatoes that would also go well with Italian meatloaf.