Savory Italian Meatloaf Recipe with Mozzarella and Marinara

This authentic Italian meatloaf recipe delivers an explosion of Mediterranean flavors in every juicy bite. The aroma of roasted garlic and fresh herbs fills your kitchen as the meat reaches golden perfection. Perfectly balanced with a molten cheese center, this dish redefines comfort food with its velvety texture and rich sauce.

Savory Italian Meatloaf Recipe with Mozzarella and Marinara

Recipe by Chef HarperCourse: Main CourseCuisine: Italian-AmericanDifficulty: Intermediate

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

Calories

420

kcal

Total time

1

hour 

20

minutes

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs Ground beef (80/20 lean)

• 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs

• 1.5 cups Marinara sauce

• 1.5 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese

• 2 Large eggs, beaten

• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese

• 3 cloves Garlic, minced

• 1 tsp Dried oregano

• 1 tsp Dried basil

• 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes

• To taste Salt and black pepper

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and Parmesan cheese.
• Mix in the garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes for a spicy Italian meatloaf profile.
• Add half a cup of marinara sauce to the mixture to ensure incredible tenderness and moisture.
• Press half of the meat mixture into the bottom and sides of the prepared loaf pan.
• Place the mozzarella cheese in the center, ensuring it does not touch the pan edges.
• Cover with the remaining meat, sealing the edges tightly to create a mozzarella stuffed meatloaf.
• Bake for 45 minutes, then spread the remaining marinara sauce over the top.
• Cook for an additional 15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
• Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to preserve the succulent juices.

Notes

• Chef’s Secret: Sauté your onions and garlic in olive oil before adding them to the meat mixture.
• Storage: Wrap leftovers tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to three days.
• Substitution: Use ground turkey or a mix of pork and beef for varied fat content.

Creating a masterpiece at home is simple with this Italian-style meatloaf. Furthermore, the combination of herbs and melted cheese provides a gourmet experience for your family. If you enjoy hearty beef dishes, you might also like this ground beef stroganoff recipe for your next weeknight rotation. For those who appreciate well-seasoned roasts, our garlic herb crusted roast lamb recipe offers similar aromatic qualities.

Understanding the history of the meatloaf reveals how this dish became a global staple. To perfect your topping, consider using a homemade marinara sauce for extra freshness. Additionally, you can find inspiration for a classic meatloaf to compare different regional variations. Perfectly balanced flavors await in every slice of this wonderful meal.