Cheesy Italian Meatloaf with Marinara Sauce

Looking for a comforting and flavorful dish to add to your dinner rotation? Look no further than this delectable Italian Meatloaf Marinara Cheese recipe. This hearty meatloaf combines the richness of ground beef and pork with the savory goodness of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, all tied together with a blanket of tangy marinara sauce. With a sprinkle of Italian herbs and spices, each bite is a burst of classic Italian flavors that will have your family coming back for seconds.

The beauty of this Italian Meatloaf Marinara Cheese lies in its ability to elevate a traditional dish into something truly special. The nutty notes of Parmesan melt into each layer, infusing the meatloaf with a distinct Italian flair that will transport your taste buds to a cozy pizzeria. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or atop a toasted ciabatta, this meatloaf is sure to become a family favorite that will bring everyone together at the dinner table. So, take a little extra time to add that cheesy topping and watch as this dish becomes a cherished part of your comfort food tradition.

Quick Benefits

• Retains Moisture: Combination of ground beef, pork, milk, eggs, and breadcrumbs helps keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful.
• Flavorful Upgrade: Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, Italian herbs, and marinara sauce elevate traditional meatloaf with rich, savory Italian flavors.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with different cheeses, gluten-free options, and side dishes to suit dietary preferences or create unique variations.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Stays fresh in the fridge for up to four days and freezes well for up to three months, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or packed lunches.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Italian Meatloaf with Marinara Sauce Recipe

• Rich Italian Flavors: This recipe infuses classic meatloaf with nutty Parmesan, gooey mozzarella, and aromatic Italian herbs, creating a flavorful and comforting dish.
• Family-Friendly Dish: Even picky eaters love this Italian Meatloaf with its cheesy top slice and savory combination of beef and pork, making it a hit with the whole family.
• Easy to Store and Reheat: Perfect for meal prep, this meatloaf can be sliced and stored for up to four days in the fridge or frozen for up to three months. Reheat slices easily for quick weeknight dinners or packed lunches.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can use all ground beef or pork based on your preference. Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or asiago, and make it gluten-free by swapping in gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Pairs Well with Various Sides: Enjoy this Italian Meatloaf with mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or a crisp Italian salad. You can also serve slices warm on toasted ciabatta for an indulgent sandwich.
• Nostalgic Yet Fresh Take: This recipe pays homage to classic Italian American dishes like meatballs and lasagna, combining familiar flavors in a new and comforting way.
• Moisture-Retaining Technique: The combination of ground meats, milk, eggs, and breadcrumbs helps retain moisture while baking, resulting in a juicy and tender meatloaf.
• Cheese Variation Options: For a unique twist, try using provolone, Asiago, or another melty Italian cheese to customize the flavor profile of the dish.
• Customize Marinara Sauce: While store-bought marinara works well, using homemade sauce can add a personal touch and enhance the flavor profile of the dish.
• Convenient Leftover Option: Leftover slices can be enjoyed warm or cold, making them a versatile option for quick and delicious meals.

Ingredients for Cheesy Italian Meatloaf with Marinara Sauce

Main

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• 450 grams ground beef
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 60 grams Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 250 millilitres marinara sauce, divided
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 large eggs
• 225 grams ground pork
• 60 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 100 grams Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 120 millilitres whole milk
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Pro Tips for Cheesy Italian Meatloaf with Marinara Sauce

Pro tip: To ensure a moist and flavorful meatloaf, combine the ground beef and pork with milk, eggs, and breadcrumbs thoroughly. This will help retain moisture while baking, resulting in a juicy and delicious meatloaf. Additionally, letting the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing will allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the meatloaf moist and flavorful.

Pro tip: For a unique flavor twist, experiment with different types of melty Italian cheeses like provolone or Asiago in place of the mozzarella or Parmesan. The cheese topping adds a gooey and savory element to the meatloaf that your family will love. Serve warm slices on toasted ciabatta for an indulgent sandwich or pair with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal that will satisfy everyone at the table.

Pro tip: While store-bought marinara sauce works well in this recipe, using homemade sauce can add a personal touch and extra depth of flavor to your Italian Meatloaf. The rich flavors of a homemade marinara can elevate the dish and make it even more special. If you have leftovers, consider serving them cold in sandwiches or gently warming slices in the oven or microwave for a delicious second meal.

How to Make Cheesy Italian Meatloaf with Marinara Sauce

Step 1: Prepare oven and pan

Preheat oven to 190°C and prepare a loaf pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Combine meat mixture

Combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, 125 milliliters marinara, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently until just incorporated.

Step 3: Shape and transfer

Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and shape it into a compact loaf, pressing down lightly for a uniform shape.

Step 4: Top with marinara

Evenly distribute the remaining 125 millilitres of marinara sauce over the loaf.

Step 5: Bake

Place in a preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 71°C.

Step 6: Add mozzarella topping

Add shredded mozzarella cheese on top and bake for another 3–5 minutes until melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Rest and garnish

Take the meatloaf out of the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Storage Tips

After preparing the Italian Meatloaf, let it cool completely before storing. Slice and wrap individual portions for easy lunches or quick dinners. The meatloaf can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze slices on a sheet before transferring them to bags for up to three months. This method allows you to enjoy the delicious meatloaf even on busy days without compromising its taste and texture.

To enhance the dish, consider experimenting with different cheeses like provolone or Asiago instead of mozzarella and Parmesan. If you prefer a gluten-free version, you can use crushed rice crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs. When serving the Italian Meatloaf, consider complementing it with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal. Additionally, warmed slices can be enjoyed on their own or used to create a tasty sandwich, especially when paired with toasted ciabatta and extra marinara sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have both ground beef and ground pork, feel free to use all of one type of meat. You can also experiment with different types of Italian cheeses such as provolone or asiago in place of the mozzarella or parmesan to give the meatloaf a unique flavor profile.

For a gluten-free version, consider swapping the Italian-style breadcrumbs with crushed rice crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs. This adjustment allows those with dietary restrictions to still enjoy this flavorful dish. Additionally, feel free to use a quality store-bought marinara sauce if you don’t have homemade sauce on hand, making it convenient while still adding a delicious touch to the recipe.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try slicing the Italian Meatloaf Marinara Cheese and serving it on a bed of creamy polenta. The rich flavors of the meatloaf and marinara sauce will complement the smooth texture of the polenta, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.

Another fun idea is to use the leftover Italian Meatloaf to make meatloaf sliders. Simply slice the meatloaf into smaller portions, place them on toasted slider buns, and top with a dollop of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. These mini sandwiches are perfect for a party or a quick and delicious lunch option.

FAQs for Cheesy Italian Meatloaf with Marinara Sauce

Can I use different types of cheese for the topping?

Yes, you can try provolone, Asiago, or another melty Italian cheese for a unique flavor twist in place of mozzarella or Parmesan.

What are some classic side dishes that pair well with Italian Meatloaf?

Classic sides that pair well with Italian Meatloaf include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

Do I have to make homemade marinara sauce or can I use store-bought?

No, you don’t have to make homemade marinara sauce. Quality store-bought marinara works perfectly fine, but homemade sauce adds a personal touch and extra depth of flavor if you prefer.

What is the best way to reheat leftover Italian Meatloaf?

You can warm slices gently in the oven or microwave. Leftovers are also delicious served cold in sandwiches for a quick and tasty meal.

Conclusion

As you wrap up making this delicious Italian Meatloaf Marinara Cheese, remember that the secret ingredient is always a pinch of love and a sprinkle of creativity. The fusion of classic meatloaf and Italian flavors in this dish is sure to become a new favorite at your dinner table, just like it has at mine.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe is a great way to add some excitement to your meal rotation. So go ahead and savor each cheesy, saucy bite of this comforting dish, and watch as it brings smiles and satisfaction to every forkful. Embrace the Italian flair in this meatloaf and let it become a tried-and-true star in your comfort food repertoire. Enjoy the process of creating this delicious Italian Meatloaf Marinara Cheese, and savor the joy it brings to your table.

Cheesy Italian Meatloaf with Marinara Sauce

“Upgrade your classic meatloaf with Italian flair – a cheesy, flavorful twist that will have your family asking for seconds!”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time20 Minutes

Cook Time60 Minutes

Total Time80 Minutes

CuisineItalian

Skill LevelEasy

Servings8 Servings (1 loaf)

Ingredients

Main

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• 450 grams ground beef
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 60 grams Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 250 millilitres marinara sauce, divided
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 large eggs
• 225 grams ground pork
• 60 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 100 grams Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 120 millilitres whole milk
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare oven and pan: Preheat oven to 190°C and prepare a loaf pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper.
2. Combine meat mixture: Combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, 125 milliliters marinara, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently until just incorporated.
3. Shape and transfer: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and shape it into a compact loaf, pressing down lightly for a uniform shape.
4. Top with marinara: Evenly distribute the remaining 125 millilitres of marinara sauce over the loaf.
5. Bake: Place in a preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 71°C.
6. Add mozzarella topping: Add shredded mozzarella cheese on top and bake for another 3–5 minutes until melted and bubbly.
7. Rest and garnish: Take the meatloaf out of the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.