Easy Italian Meatloaf
This Easy Italian Meatloaf is a comforting, flavor-packed dish blending juicy ground beef, Italian herbs, melty mozzarella, and a rich marinara glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, it practically cooks itself while you handle the chaos of life.
Equipment
- Loaf Pan
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 2 lbs ground beef 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- 1 cup marinara sauce divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, Italian dressing mix, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, and milk until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Form the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan. Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on top.
- Bake for 45 minutes. Add remaining marinara and sprinkle mozzarella on top. Bake for another 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Check internal temperature: 160°F (71°C) for beef. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef. To make it gluten-free, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, onions, or spinach for a flavor boost.