Pizza Meatloaf
A savory meatloaf with pizza flavors, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, perfect for family dinners and gatherings craving comforting, cheesy Italian-inspired cuisine.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs.
- Add 3/4 cup of pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, bread crumbs, garlic salt, and pepper.
- Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the egg mixture and mix well.
- Press the mixture into a 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the meatloaf.
- Spoon the remaining pizza sauce over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until no pink remains in the meat.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding chopped bell peppers or onions to the meat mixture. If you want to reduce fat, use ground turkey instead of beef or a combination of lean ground beef and turkey. You can also swap the mozzarella for provolone or a dairy-free cheese alternative for a different taste. Ensure to monitor the internal temperature to avoid overcooking.
Serving Suggestions
This pizza meatloaf pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a side of pasta tossed in Sis Lawson'S Famous Spaghetti Sauce for a comforting Italian-inspired feast. For a fun twist, slice it and serve on a bun as a meatloaf sandwich.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, slice the meatloaf and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual slices for a quicker option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pizza Meatloaf contains roughly 484 calories, with 29g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (58% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), and potassium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron.
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 meatloaf mixture up to a day in advance. Simply cover it and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and can save you time on a busy day.
What can I use if I don't have Italian seasoned bread crumbs?
If you don't have Italian seasoned bread crumbs, you can use plain bread crumbs and add your own Italian herbs, such as oregano, basil, and thyme. This will give you a similar flavor profile without sacrificing taste.
How can I tell when the meatloaf is done?
The best way to check if your meatloaf is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. It should read at least 160°F (70°C) internally. Additionally, the meatloaf should be firm and no longer pink in the center when you slice it.
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).