Italian Meatloaf

I've been making this Italian meatloaf for years, and it's become one of my family's favorite comfort food dinners. One of my favorite things is hearing from readers who tell me this recipe tastes just like a giant Italian meatball. whose meatloaf-hating spouses, picky kids, and even self-proclaimed skeptics go back for seconds. Whether you're making it for a busy weeknight or Sunday dinner with the family, this easy Italian meatloaf recipe is one you'll come back to again and again.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is hearing from readers who tell me it tastes just like a giant Italian meatball. It's made with simple ingredients, easy enough for a weeknight, and special enough to serve for Sunday dinner with family and friends.

If you're cooking for picky eaters or want individual portions, my Mini Meatloaves with Ketchup Glaze are another family favorite that kids and adults both love.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Meat - I use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for the best flavor and texture. If you want even more Italian flavor, swap some or all of the ground pork for hot or sweet Italian sausage.
• Bread vs. Breadcrumbs - Instead of breadcrumbs, I soak a slice of sandwich bread in milk before mixing it into the meat. It creates a softer, juicier meatloaf, and it's the same trick I use when making my homemade Italian meatballs.
• Seasonings - Italian seasoning, garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese give this meatloaf its classic Italian flavor. If your family likes a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
• Marinara Sauce - My homemade Quick Marinara Sauce is perfect when you're short on time, or use my Slow-Cooked Sunday Sauce for an extra special Sunday dinner. A good-quality jarred marinara works great too when you need an easy shortcut.

How to Make Italian Meatloaf

Make the Meatloaf Mixture

Place the slice of bread in a large mixing bowl and pour the milk over the top. Let it soak for a minute or two until the bread is soft. This simple step helps create a juicy meatloaf and is one of my favorite tricks for both meatloaf and homemade Italian meatballs.

Add the ground beef, ground pork, egg, Parmesan cheese, seasonings, and the softened bread to the bowl. Mix everything gently with your hands just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the meatloaf can become dense instead of light and juicy.

Shape and Bake

Transfer the meat mixture to a parchment paper or foil-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup. Shape it into an even loaf, making sure it's about the same thickness from end to end so it cooks evenly.

Bake the meatloaf at 350°F for 20 minutes before adding the marinara sauce. Starting the meatloaf without the sauce allows the outside to set and helps the loaf hold its shape.

Add the Marinara and Finish Baking

Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf and return it to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. The meatloaf is done when the center reaches 160°F on an instant-read thermometer.

Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This gives the juices time to redistribute so every slice stays juicy instead of falling apart on the cutting board.

Side Dishes to Serve

Italian meatloaf is one of those dinners that goes with just about anything. Here are a few of my favorite side dishes to serve with it.

• Arugula Salad: A fresh, simple salad with a homemade vinaigrette.
• Cheese Stuffed Bread Bites: An easy appetizer or side dish everyone loves.
• Roasted Artichokes: A simple vegetable side that's full of Italian flavor.

More Family Favorite Italian Dinners

If your family enjoyed this Italian meatloaf, here are a few more of our favorite Italian comfort food recipes that are perfect for sharing around the dinner table.

• Lasagna with Meat Sauce
• Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs
• Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Marsala
• Italian Braised Braciole