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Italian Meatloaf

Italian Meatloaf

Italian Meatloaf is one big giant meatball, packed with familiar flavors but on a grander, more satisfying scale.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 slices
Calories 585 kcal

Equipment

  • food processor
  • medium skillet
  • baking sheet

Ingredients
  

Vegetables

  • 1 small onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 small carrot, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 stalk celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 garlic cloves

Meatloaf Mixture

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup finely chopped fresh basil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 pounds meatloaf mix or use 1½ pounds 85% lean ground beef plus ½ pound ground pork
  • cup Italian-style bread crumbs
  • ¾ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • ¾ cup marinara sauce plus more for serving

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Place the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic in a food processor fitted with the steel blade and pulse until the vegetables are minced. (Alternatively, you can mince all of the vegetables by hand.)
  • Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the minced vegetables and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Do not brown. Let cool until just warm.
  • In a bowl large enough to hold all of the ingredients, whisk the eggs with the basil, salt, pepper and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Add the meat, bread crumbs, cheese, and cooked vegetables to the egg mixture and mix with your hands until evenly combined.
  • Form the meat mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf shape directly on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the marinara sauce evenly over top, letting it drip a bit down the sides.
  • Bake for 65 for 70 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer registers 160°F in the middle of the meatloaf. Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes. Scrape any fat away from the edges of the meatloaf, then use a wide spatula to transfer the meatloaf to a cutting board or serving platter. Slice and serve with more marinara sauce on the side, if desired.

Freezer-Friendly Instructions

  • The cooked meatloaf can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, defrost it in the refrigerator for 24 hours and then reheat it in a 300°F oven until hot in the middle. You can also freeze the meatloaf for up to 2 months before baking. Wrap the shaped loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Add the marinara sauce after defrosting, when you are ready to bake and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 585kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 35gFat: 42gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 180mgSodium: 966mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g
Keyword Comfort Food, Dinner, Italian Meatloaf, Italian recipes, meatballs, meatloaf
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