Meat Loaf Italiano
Meat Loaf Italiano is a hearty, cheesy dish featuring savory ground beef layered with mozzarella and seasoned with Italian herbs. Its rich tomato sauce complements the flavorful meat, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings that crave comforting, Italian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine egg, cracker crumbs, minced onion, 1/3 cup of Italian tomato sauce, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, oregano, basil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Mix well and add ground beef.
- Thoroughly mix and shape into a flat rectangle about 10 x 12 inches on waxed paper.
- Sprinkle remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat.
- Roll like a jelly roll and press the ends together to seal.
- Place on a rack in a shallow baking dish.
- Bake for 1 hour.
- Drain off excess fat.
- Pour remaining tomato sauce over the meat loaf and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Let stand for 15 minutes before slicing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting ground turkey for ground beef. If you're out of cracker crumbs, crushed breadcrumbs or rolled oats can work well. Add a kick of flavor by mixing in some red pepper flakes or using garlic powder in addition to fresh garlic. Don't hesitate to customize the herbs according to your taste; fresh herbs can elevate the dish, especially in Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Meat Loaf Italiano with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Spanish Spaghetti or creamy mashed potatoes. For an Italian twist, consider serving it with a side of steamed green beans tossed in olive oil and lemon. Drizzle extra tomato sauce over the meatloaf for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes for a crispier texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Loaf Italiano contains roughly 488 calories, with 10g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (81% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and iron (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1691mg per serving (74% 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 make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just shape it into a loaf when you're ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
What can I substitute for mozzarella cheese?
If you don’t have mozzarella cheese, provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses can be great alternatives. For a sharper flavor, consider using aged cheddar or Parmesan. Just keep in mind the melting properties of the cheese you choose.
How can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
You can finely chop bell peppers, carrots, or spinach and mix them into the meat mixture for added nutrition. Sautéing them first can enhance their flavors. This not only boosts the dish's health factor but also adds a nice texture.
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).