Description
Classic Italian meatloaf featuring ground beef, Italian sausage, and herbs topped with mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground mild Italian sausage
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon each of dried oregano, basil, and parsley
1 beaten egg
3/4 cup Italian bread crumbs
2 slices white bread, crumbled
1 tablespoon milk
8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese (reserve 3/4 cup for topping)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper; sauté until softened (about 5 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, Worcestershire sauce, dried herbs, beaten egg, bread crumbs, crumbled white bread, milk, sautéed vegetables, 5.25 oz of shredded mozzarella cheese (reserve 2.75 oz for topping), and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the greased loaf pan and shape into a loaf.
- Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- During the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle the reserved shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the meatloaf.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Slice and serve warm, topped with additional marinara sauce if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried if available for more vibrant flavors.
- You can substitute gluten-free bread crumbs and bread for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-75 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
