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Italian Meatloaf Recipe (My Grandma's Famous Recipe)

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My grandma made the best Italian meatloaf, and it's so delicious I have to share it with you! It’s the perfect twist on a classic comfort food, combining hearty ground beef with savory Italian flavors and a shredded mozzarella topping that takes this meatloaf to the next level!

A slice of Italian meatloaf on a ceramic plate garnished with fresh parsley. The plate is on a white counter with a white bowl of marinara sauce and wooden board with additional sliced meatloaf.

Why This Italian Meatloaf Recipe Is The Best

This recipe is one I got from my grandma, who always brought the most amazing dishes to our family dinners. Her Italian meatloaf was always the star of the table, and it was by far my favorite thing that she made when I was a kid.

Now it’s a staple in my home, and my wife and I make it every chance we get. I swear it's the only thing that gets us through the chilly and snowy winters!

My grandma's meatloaf has a combination of soaked bread for tenderness, garlic, Italian seasonings, Parmesan, and marinara sauce that makes it unbelievably flavorful. Every bite is so comforting, and the melted shredded mozzarella cheese on top is what really sets this meatloaf recipe apart from the rest.

A wooden board lined with parchment paper with a slice of Italian meatloaf with the remaining loaf. The board is on a white counter with fresh parsley.

Italian Meatloaf Ingredients 

  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef
  • 1 cup stale bread, day-old
  • ½+ cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 small onion, grated
  • ¼ cup parsley, finely chopped
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup marinara sauce

An overhead shot of several bowls in various sizes containing ingredients to make Italian meatloaf including uncooked beef, bread pieces, marinara sauce, shredded parmesan, shredded mozzarella, garlic, egg, onion, and seasonings.

How to Make Italian Meatloaf

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Mixture

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper. Soak the crumbled bread in milk for 5 minutes, then massage it into a paste to ensure the meatloaf stays moist.

A white ceramic bowl with stale bread pieces soaking in milk. The bowl is on a white counter with a white striped napkin.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, soaked bread, grated Parmesan, egg, grated onion, minced garlic, ½ cup mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

A glass bowl with ingredients to make Italian meatloaf including uncooked beef, egg, parsley, italian seasoning, and onion. The bowl is on a white counter with a white striped napkin.

Mix until everything is evenly combined. It might get a little messy! I like to put on cooking gloves and combine the meatloaf mixture with my hands.

A glass bowl with an Italian meatloaf mixture topped with soaked bread. The bowl is on a white counter with a white cloth napkin.

Step 3: Form the Loaf and Add Marinara

Transfer the mixture to the loaf pan, pressing it down to form a compact shape.

Uncooked Italian meatloaf in a loaf pan lined with parchment paper. The pan is on a white counter with a white cloth napkin.

Spread marinara sauce over the top for extra moisture and flavor.

Uncooked Italian meatloaf topped with marinara sauce in a loaf pan lined with parchment paper. The pan is on a white counter with a white striped napkin.

Step 4: Bake the Meatloaf

Bake for 1 hour or until cooked through. In the last 10 minutes, top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and more marinara sauce if desired.

Baked Italian meatloaf topped with fresh cheese in a loaf pan lined with parchment paper. The pan is on a white counter with a white striped napkin.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley and serve with your favorite sides.

Baked Italian meatloaf topped with cheese. The meatloaf is in a loaf pan lined with parchment paper on a white counter.

Pro Tips To Make Perfect Italian Meatloaf

  1. Use Day-Old Bread for Texture: Stale bread gives the meatloaf a tender texture that breadcrumbs just can’t replicate.
  2. Grate the Onion: Grating the onion adds moisture and ensures there are no large chunks in the meatloaf.
  3. Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients until just combined to keep the meatloaf tender, not tough.
  4. Let It Rest: Letting the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after baking helps it hold its shape when sliced.
  5. Get Creative with Toppings: Add more marinara or even a sprinkle of extra Parmesan before serving for extra flavor.

A slice of Italian meatloaf on a ceramic plate garnished with fresh parsley. The plate is on a white counter with a bowl of marinara sauce and wooden board with sliced meatloaf.

FAQ's About This Italian Meatloaf Recipe

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute for a lighter version of this meatloaf.

What can I use instead of stale bread?

Breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can be used, but the texture may be slightly different.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven.

Can I freeze Italian meatloaf?

Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What sides pair well with Italian meatloaf?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad make great accompaniments.

A fork taking a bite of Italian meatloaf on a ceramic plate garnished with fresh parsley. The plate is on a white counter with a white bowl of marinara sauce.

My Final Thoughts On This Italian Meatloaf Recipe

This Italian meatloaf recipe is the ultimate comfort food, blending rich flavors with an irresistibly cheesy topping.

It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep, and it always leaves everyone asking for seconds. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does!

A fork taking a bite of Italian meatloaf on a ceramic plate garnished with fresh parsley. The plate is on a white counter with a white bowl of marinara sauce and wooden board with additional sliced meatloaf.

More Italian Recipes to Try Next

Yield: 6 servings

Italian Meatloaf Recipe (My Grandma's Famous Recipe)

A wooden board lined with parchment paper with a slice of Italian meatloaf with the remaining loaf. The board is on a white counter with fresh parsley.

My grandma made the best Italian meatloaf, and it's so delicious I have to share it with you! It’s the perfect twist on a classic comfort food, combining hearty ground beef with savory Italian flavors and a shredded mozzarella topping that takes this meatloaf to the next level!

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef
  • 1 cup Stale Bread, Day old
  • ½+ cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 small onion, grated
  • ¼ cup parsley, finely chopped
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup marinara sauce

Instructions

    1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.

    2. To a bowl, add the crumbled stale bread. Pour the milk on top and let sit for 5 minutes. Massage the soaked bread for a few minutes to break it down.

    3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, soaked bread, grated Parmesan, egg, grated onion, minced garlic, ½ cup mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure the flavors meld together beautifully.

    4. Transfer the meat mixture to a loaf pan, pressing it down to form a compact loaf. Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce over the top to infuse the meatloaf with moisture and flavor as it cooks.

    5. Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the top is bubbly and brown.

    6. In the last 10 minutes of baking, top the meatloaf with remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and additional marinara sauce if desired. 

    7. Once baked, let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 683Total Fat: 41gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 228mgSodium: 1034mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 1gSugar: 7gProtein: 60g
© I'm Hungry For That
Cuisine: Italian / Category: Dinner Recipes
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