Italian Meatloaf: Comfort Food with a Roman Holiday Twist
This isn’t your average diner meatloaf. Italian Meatloaf (aka Polpettone) is loaded with savory Italian flavors and smothered in a zesty marinara glaze. It’s the perfect blend of Sunday dinner vibes and weeknight ease—especially with some spaghetti or roasted potatoes on the side.
🥕 Ingredients (Serves 6)
For the Meatloaf:
- 1½ lbs ground beef (or 1 lb beef + ½ lb ground pork)
- ¾ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Topping:
- 1 cup marinara sauce (jarred or homemade)
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Extra Parmesan and chopped parsley for garnish
🍲 Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet or loaf pan with parchment or foil for easy cleanup.
Mix the Meatloaf:
- In a large bowl, combine all meatloaf ingredients. Use clean hands to gently mix until fully combined—don’t overwork it!
Shape and Bake:
- Form into a loaf shape and place on the prepared pan. Bake uncovered for 35 minutes.
Add the Glaze:
- Remove meatloaf and spread marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle with mozzarella if using.
- Return to oven and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, until internal temp reaches 160°F (71°C).
Rest and Slice:
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with more Parmesan and fresh parsley.
📦 Amazon Must-Haves to Help You Create the Best Italian Meatloaf
- 🍞 Italian Seasoned Bread Crumbs – Perfectly seasoned to elevate the flavor of your meatloaf.
- 🍅 Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce – Rich and flavorful sauce that tastes homemade.
- 🧄 Garlic Press by OXO – Makes mincing garlic easy and mess-free.
- 🍽️ USA Pan Loaf Pan – Heavy-duty, nonstick pan ideal for even baking.
- 🌿 Italian Seasoning Blend – A classic herb blend to give your meatloaf true Italian flair.
Pro Tip: Feeling extra indulgent? Layer slices of provolone or fontina inside the loaf before baking for a cheesy surprise center. Molto bene! 🧀