Pockets of veggies & hearty meats, this dish hits different. It’s Italian Meatloaf fit for a feast!
Table of Contents
A family favorite and sure to feed a crowd – this Italian meatloaf is a classic recipe that calls people to the kitchen with its aromas of simmering meats and fragrant seasonings! Its deliciousness is rooted in the surprising flavor and texture that comes with each bite. It’s also super versatile, allowing for variations of meats and seasoning. Ground beef, pork or Italian sausage all do! Whatever you choose, it does the trick and is destined to be a hit!
Is Italian Meatloaf Healthy?
The healthiness of this recipe really depends on individual dietary needs but my rule of thumb is to always take a closer look at the ingredients!
Whenever a recipe offers a variety of ingredients like fresh herbs, veggies, and ground meats, you can count on it not only being nutritious but usually pretty delicious. Italian meatloaf is a one-hit homerun. It has loads of protein and fiber, and even if you disregard my advice and skip sneaking in some blended veggies such as celery or spinach, it is still able to hold its own. My tip with this dish is to substitute the seasonings for fresh ones wherever you can. I like to use FRESH garlic in addition to the garlic powder and the same goes for the oregano and basil.
Need it to be gluten-free? We got you!
Simply swap out the breadcrumbs and replace them with flaxseed meal. It gets my praise all day! Flaxseed meal is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids and contains protein and loads of fiber, as well as being high in thiamine, a B vitamin crucial for energy metabolism and cellular function. Flaxseed is great for individuals with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
I recall first stumbling upon these seeds when I was going through a crazy strict health kick! I was 17 at the time and in a heated room every day with an intense plant-based diet. Yoga and veganism consumed me and I am proud to say I have come a long way from my limiting view on food. I was way too extreme and finally decided life is too short to limit one of my greatest joys in life! But looking back, that season taught me a lot about nutrition and flaxseeds were a major staple. I would add them to my smoothies, bake with them, and even top my oatmeal bowls with them. Flaxseeds are a superfood in every way. If you’re not familiar with them, I highly recommend you check them out.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce, plus extra for serving
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat
Prepare oven and loaf pan.
Mix
Combine ingredients without overmixing.
Shape
Form loaf and add sauce.
Bake
Cook, add cheese, and finish baking.
Rest
Let sit before slicing and serving.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
Once cooked, store the meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it by placing it in the microwave for 2 or 3 minutes, until hot. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Feel free to customize your toppings and switch it up. Maybe add some homemade tomato sauce glaze, a brown gravy, or loads of freshly shredded mozzarella cheese.
Once you pull your meatloaf out of the oven, make sure to let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This will not only allow for cleaner slices but permits the flavors to fully marinate.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this dish with herb-roasted potatoes, a creamy polenta, or a crusty garlic bread baguette is the best! I always love my veggie sides – pair it with some broccolini, green beans, or balsamic roasted asparagus. And in case you have some leftovers, it makes for a great sandwich, simply slice and top with melted cheese (panini style is the best)!
Check out these Roasted Russet Potatoes or Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Asparagus recipes for a little inspiration for your sides!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 85% lean
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce plus extra for serving
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, parsley, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, shaping it into a loaf. Spread marinara sauce evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with additional marinara sauce if desired.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment