This homemade meatloaf recipe is a comfort food classic with an Italian twist. Never dry, perfectly seasoned, and ready in under an hour. While this may not be a traditional meatloaf recipe, it is a delicious one, packed with savory Italian flavors.
Another reason why I love making meatloaf this way is because of how moist it keeps the meatloaf. I really hate a dry meatloaf, and with all the sauce in the pan, this one turns out nice and juicy every time.
This is the BEST Italian Meatloaf Recipe Ever
This Italian meatloaf is never dry, doesn’t fall apart, and is always packed with flavor. It’s the perfect comfort food for a family dinner or meal prepping! Adding milk-soaked bread crumbs and a blend of Italian herbs gives this meatloaf the best texture and taste. You’ve never tasted meatloaf like this before – I know my family hadn’t until I perfected this recipe!
My favorite part? The recipe and prep work are EASY. There’s no need to spend hours in the kitchen; this dish comes together quickly and with minimal effort. Just follow my step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have a delicious Italian meatloaf on your table in under 45 minutes.
It’s going to be your new go-to meatloaf recipe, I promise.
Ingredients for Italian Meatloaf
For the Italian Meatloaf Recipe, you will need:
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic cloves
- Dried parsley
- Dried basil
- Dried oregano
- Egg
- Breadcrumbs
- Milk
For the Italian Style Meatloaf Sauce, you will need:
- Tomato sauce
- Half and half
For the exact amounts needed, please see the recipe card below.
What is the Best Meat for Meatloaf?
I like to use ground beef or ground lamb for meatloaf. You can also use a mix of the two meats. An 85-15 is best for keeping the beef moist.
How to Make this Baked Meatloaf Recipe
- Combine all of the meatloaf ingredients in a large mixing bowl until well combined. It may seem like there are a lot of breadcrumbs, but they will absorb the milk as you mix. Make sure to mix everything together well as that is key to getting a smooth texture.
- Spray the inside of a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Pour your meatloaf into a meatloaf pan or place it into a large pan and shape it into an oval about 3-4 inches thick.
- Place the meatloaf into the oven to broil for 10 minutes. This will help to make sure that it stays together and has a nice crust under the sauce.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Add half of the sauce over the top of the meatloaf and bake for 15 minutes.
- Add the remaining sauce and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the meatloaf internal temp reaches 165 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer.
Homemade Italian Meatloaf Recipe Tips
If your family likes green beans, you can sprinkle about 1 cup of fresh or frozen green beans around the outside of the meatloaf and just bake them right in the sauce. An easy way to incorporate a veggie side.
How Long to Cook Italian Style Meatloaf
The cooking meatloaf time will vary based on the pan used. Some people like to use bread loaf pans, while others spread it out into 9×13 baking dishes. The thinner your meatloaf is, the more quickly it will cook. For this recipe, the meatloaf will cook for a total of 35-40 minutes.
Variations/Substitutions
This recipe can be easily adapted to meet your dietary needs or preferences. Here are some simple ideas to consider:
- Add some veggies: Finely chop bell peppers, carrots, or celery and mix them into the meatloaf mixture for added flavor. A food processor can make this step even easier!
- Make your own sauce: Blend canned chopped tomatoes to make the sauce and pour on top before baking. You can also add some herbs and spices for extra flavor.
- Make it gluten-free: Simply swap out the bread crumbs for a gluten-free alternative. Gluten-free bread or crushed gluten-free crackers work well.
- Add some spice: For those who like heat, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the ground beef.
- Top with cheese: Who doesn’t love cheese? Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella or parmesan on top of the meatloaf when adding the second layer of sauce. It’ll give your meatloaf a delicious cheesy topping!
What to Serve with this recipe for Italian Meatloaf
- Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
- Green Beans
- Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots
- Oven Roasted Brussel Sprouts
- Herby Creamed Potatoes
- No Knead Easy Dinner Rolls
- Ciabatta Bread
- White Bean Pasta
- Lemon Cream Pasta
How to store Italian Meatloaf
If you happen to have leftovers (although I doubt you will!), they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or the oven at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can you freeze Meatloaf?
Yes, this meatloaf can be frozen if desired. Freeze it before cooking (without the sauce) as a meal prep dinner for later, or freeze it after it’s been baked and cooled for a simple reheat dinner. Just make sure that it is in an airtight container, and it can last either way for up to 3 months.Add ima
FAQs
If desired, you can shape your meatloaf on a baking sheet instead of a 9×13 baking pan. For this recipe, be sure the sauce won’t spill over the edges.
Yes, this meatloaf can be frozen if desired. Freeze it before cooking (without the sauce) as a meal prep dinner for later, or freeze it after it’s been baked and cooled for a simple reheat dinner. Just make sure that it is in an airtight container, and it can last either way for up to 3 months.
We use milk in this recipe to help moisten the breadcrumbs. The breadcrumbs are what help the meatloaf to keep its form and shape so by moistening them, we can keep the meatloaf shape and add moisture to the loaf.
Recipe for Italian Meatloaf
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion shredded
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon parsley dried
- 2 teaspoons basil dried
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2/3 cup milk
For the Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup half and half
Instructions
- Combine all the meatloaf ingredients until very well combined. It will seem like there is too much milk, but the breadcrumbs will soak it up as you mix the meatloaf together.
- Spray a 9×13 pan with cooking spray.
- Pour the meatloaf mixture into the pan and shape into an oval that is about 3-4 inches thick.
- Broil on high for 10 minutes.
- Remove from the oven.
- Preheat oven to 350º F.
- Pour half the sauce over the meatloaf.
- Bake meatloaf for 15 minutes and pour over the rest of the sauce.
- Bake for 15 more minutes or until the inside registers 165ºF on an instant thermometer.
Alli says
A family classic!