Italian-Style Ground Beef
Italian-Style Ground Beef features tender patties topped with melted cheese, rich spaghetti sauce, and Parmesan, perfect for a hearty, family-friendly meal with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1/4 c. cold water ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. minced parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 c. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/4 c. fine dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 4 slices Mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 1 c. spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix lightly together the beef, water, seasoned salt, black pepper, and minced parsley with hands.
- Shape into 4 patties, about 3/4-inch thick.
- Coat both sides of patties with all-purpose flour.
- Dip patties into the beaten egg, then into dry bread crumbs.
- Brown the patties quickly in hot oil on both sides in a skillet.
- Arrange the browned patties in a shallow 1 1/2-quart baking dish.
- Put a slice of cheese on each patty.
- Pour spaghetti sauce over the patties.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake at 400°F for about 25 minutes.
- Garnish with minced parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding minced garlic or Italian herbs to the beef mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you don't have bread crumbs, crushed crackers or panko work well. To enhance the sauce, try adding sautéed onions or bell peppers. This dish is similar to Easy Man'S Lasagna, making it a great alternative.
Serving Suggestions
These Italian-style ground beef patties are delicious served with a side of spaghetti or garlic bread. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables complement the dish well. For a heartier meal, pair it with Northern Style Lasagna. Garnish with additional parsley or basil for a fresh touch before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the patties in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian-Style Ground Beef contains roughly 1477 calories, with 20g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 127g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (40% of the Daily Value), iron (36% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2521mg per serving (110% 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 a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use any melting cheese you prefer, such as cheddar or provolone. Each cheese will bring its own flavor profile, enhancing the dish in unique ways. Just ensure it melts well to create that delicious, gooey topping.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the patties and assemble the dish up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through thoroughly.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it over a bed of pasta, or alongside a crisp salad. For a comforting meal, garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks make excellent accompaniments, allowing you to soak up the delicious spaghetti sauce.
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).