Easy Italian Meatloaf
Ingredients
-
1 lb (450g) ground beef
-
½ lb (225g) ground mild Italian sausage
-
1 small onion, finely chopped
-
½ cup bell pepper, chopped (red or green)
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
-
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
2 large eggs
-
½ cup milk
-
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
-
½ tsp salt
-
½ tsp black pepper
-
1½ cups marinara sauce (divided)
-
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat Oven
-
Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Mix the Meatloaf
-
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, bell pepper, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
-
Add ½ cup marinara sauce to the mixture for extra moisture.
-
Mix gently until well combined (do not overmix to avoid a dense loaf).
3️⃣ Shape & Bake
-
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan.
-
Bake for 40 minutes.
4️⃣ Add Topping
-
Remove from oven, pour the remaining 1 cup marinara sauce over the meatloaf, and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
-
Return to oven and bake for 15–20 more minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and cheese is bubbly.
5️⃣ Rest & Serve
-
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to lock in juices.
Serving Idea: Pair with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete Italian-inspired meal.