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Savory Italian Meatloaf with Cheese

Savory Italian Meatloaf with Cheese

This Italian-style meatloaf is tender, cheesy, and packed with herby flavor. A quick marinara glaze and melty mozzarella finish it beautifully.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 0.75 cup yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 tsp garlic, minced
  • 0.5 cup whole milk
  • 0.75 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 3.5 fl oz beaten eggs about 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 tbsp ketchup divided
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1.25 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.75 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1.25 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 0.75 lb ground pork
  • 1.25 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded divided
  • 0.5 cup marinara sauce

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed sheet pan with foil and lightly oil it.
  • Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Soften onion 4–5 minutes. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds. Cool.
  • Soak breadcrumbs in milk in a large bowl for 5 minutes to form a panade.
  • Whisk beaten eggs with Worcestershire, 2 tbsp ketchup, tomato paste, Parmesan, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and flakes.
  • Add cooled onions to the bowl. Stir the mixture until evenly combined.
  • Add ground beef and pork. Mix gently with your hands just until combined; do not overwork.
  • Fold in 1 cup mozzarella, reserving the rest for topping.
  • Shape into a 9×4-inch loaf on the pan. Blend marinara with remaining 1 tbsp ketchup and brush over the top.
  • Bake 45 minutes. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella over the loaf and bake 8–10 minutes more, until cheese browns and center hits 160°F.
  • Rest 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with extra marinara if you like.

Notes

Variation: Swap half the mozzarella for provolone or fontina. For a spicier loaf, add 1–2 tsp Calabrian chile paste to the glaze. Storage: Refrigerate slices up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months; reheat covered at 325°F until hot.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Savory Italian Meatloaf with Cheese flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.