Italian Meatloaf
A hearty Italian-inspired meatloaf combining ground chuck and ham sausage, enriched with flavorful tomatoes, bread crumbs, and a savory glaze, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Thoroughly mix together the ground chuck and ham sausage.
- Add drained Italian tomatoes, Italian bread crumbs, and 8 ounces of steak sauce.
- Mix thoroughly. Shape mixture into two large loaves.
- Place loaves in bread pans or in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Drain excess fat and reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Bake for an additional hour, draining fat every 20 minutes.
- Moisten loaves with some of the reserved tomato liquid if they look too dry.
- Mix together ketchup, 8 ounces of steak sauce, and 1/4 cup of brown sugar to make the glaze.
- Pour the glaze over the loaves and bake for 20 minutes longer.
- Let stand for 15 minutes before slicing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a leaner version, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of ground chuck. If you prefer a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. Be sure to drain the tomatoes well to avoid a soggy loaf. Experiment with different herbs like oregano or basil for added flavor. This meatloaf pairs beautifully with Simple Spaghetti for a classic Italian meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Italian meatloaf with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It also pairs wonderfully with Baked Rigatoni With Meatballs, creating a hearty Italian feast. For a twist, try adding a dollop of pesto on top before serving to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, slice and microwave for 1-2 minutes, checking for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Meatloaf contains roughly 255 calories, with 6g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of meat for this meatloaf?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of ground beef and pork for different flavors and textures. Just adjust cooking times as needed, especially for leaner meats.
How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
The meatloaf should reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to check the center, and ensure it's no longer pink. The edges will also start to pull away from the pan.
Can I freeze the meatloaf?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooked and cooled meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).