🍅🇮🇹 Hearty Italian Meatloaf

Classic comfort food meets bold Italian flavors in this juicy, savory meatloaf the whole family loves.

If you’re craving a warm, satisfying dinner that fills the house with the smell of garlic, herbs, and tomato goodness, this Hearty Italian Meatloaf is the answer. It’s tender, flavorful, and packed with Italian ingredients—Parmesan, herbs, marinara, and melty mozzarella.

This is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels like a hug, and the leftovers (if there are any!) make incredible sandwiches.

🧾 Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

2 lbs ground beef (or half beef, half Italian sausage)

1 cup Italian breadcrumbs

1 cup shredded mozzarella

½ cup grated Parmesan

1 cup marinara sauce (divided)

2 eggs

1 small onion, finely diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 tbsp fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1 tsp salt

½ tsp pepper

For the Topping

½ cup marinara

½ cup shredded mozzarella

2 tbsp Parmesan

🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat

Heat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Line a baking sheet or loaf pan with parchment.

2. Mix the Meatloaf

In a large bowl, combine:

ground beef, breadcrumbs, mozzarella, Parmesan, ½ cup marinara, eggs, onion, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Mix gently—don’t overwork it or it becomes dense.

3. Shape & Bake

Form into a loaf on the pan, or pack into a loaf pan.

Bake 40 minutes.

4. Add the Topping

Brush remaining ½ cup marinara on top.

Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan.

Bake 15–20 minutes more, until:

✔ cheese is melted

✔ internal temp reaches 160°F (71°C)

✔ edges are golden and bubbly

5. Rest & Serve

Let rest 10 minutes before slicing so it stays juicy.

Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or buttery pasta.

⭐ Pro Tips

Add chopped pepperoni for extra Italian kick.

Swap mozzarella for provolone for a deeper flavor.

Use spicy Italian sausage for some heat.

Brush with garlic butter before slicing—life-changing!