“My hubby is beyond addicted to this stuff! We finish one serving…”

This hearty Italian Meatloaf is bursting with flavor and incredibly comforting. With ground beef, fresh herbs, and a generous amount of marinara, it delivers a rich, savory dish that’s sure to please. Finished with gooey mozzarella on top, it’s a beloved classic fit for any meal.

Classic Italian Meatloaf

Ingredients

Meatloaf:

Ingredient	Quantity
Ground beef	1 1/2 pounds
Breadcrumbs	1 cup
Parmesan cheese, grated	1/2 cup
Whole milk	1/2 cup
Onion, finely diced	1/2 cup
Bell pepper, finely diced	1/4 cup
Garlic, minced	2 cloves
Fresh parsley, chopped	1/4 cup
Fresh basil, chopped	1/4 cup
Dried oregano	1 teaspoon
Dried thyme	1 teaspoon
Salt	1 teaspoon
Black pepper	1/2 teaspoon
Large eggs	2
Marinara sauce	1/2 cup (plus more for topping)

Topping:

Ingredient	Quantity
Marinara sauce	1 cup
Mozzarella cheese, shredded	1/2 cup
Fresh basil leaves	For garnish

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How to Make Classic Italian Meatloaf

1. Preheat:
   Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine the breadcrumbs and milk in a small bowl and let them soak.
2. Mix the meatloaf:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with the soaked breadcrumbs, Parmesan, onion, bell pepper, garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and eggs. Mix gently to avoid compacting the meat.
3. Shape and place:
   Form the meat mixture into a loaf and transfer it to a greased baking dish.
4. Add sauce:
   Spoon 1/2 cup of marinara over the top of the loaf.
5. Bake:
   Bake for 45 minutes.
6. Top with cheese:
   Spread the remaining marinara over the loaf and sprinkle with mozzarella.
7. Finish baking:
   Bake an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
8. Rest and serve:
   Allow the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes before cutting. Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy.