Savory Italian Meatloaf with Cheese – Dive into the hearty flavors. Of this Savory Italian Meatloaf with Cheese. A dish that brings the comforting warmth of Southern American cuisine. With an Italian twist. Right to your table. With lean ground beef, vibrant herbs, and gooey mozzarella. This meatloaf isn’t just food. It’s a slice of home. The main ingredients. Including Italian sausage, fresh parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Blend seamlessly. To create a meal. That’s as satisfying to make. As it is to eat.
I still remember the first time I made this meatloaf. It was a chilly evening. The kind that calls for something filling. And warm. I wanted to surprise my family. With a twist. On the classic meatloaf. As the aroma filled the kitchen. It drew my husband. And child to the table. Before I even called. Watching them savor every bite. Seeing their smiles. And hearing their laughter. I knew this recipe. Was a keeper. It wasn’t just a meal. It was a moment. We all cherished.
What makes this Savory Italian Meatloaf with Cheese truly special?
What sets this Savory Italian Meatloaf with Cheese apart? First. It’s the balance of flavors. Every ingredient is chosen. To complement the others. From the herbs. To the cheeses. Second. The texture. The crust is perfectly golden. With a tender, moist interior. Lastly. It’s the versatility. This dish can be a show-stopping centerpiece. For a family dinner. Or sliced for a delicious sandwich the next day.
What You Need To Make This Savory Italian Meatloaf with Cheese Recipe?
Lean Ground Beef & Italian Sausage: This is our main act. Where the beef’s dependability. Meets the Italian sausage’s zest. Creating a flavorful foundation. That’s hard to beat.
Sweet Onion & Green Bell Pepper: These two bring a touch of sweetness. And a fresh crunch. Like the best sidekicks. That brighten up our dish.
Panko Breadcrumbs & Parmesan Cheese: Our secret texture masters. Breadcrumbs ensure our meatloaf is tender. While Parmesan adds a hint of cheesy, salty goodness.
Pasta Sauce: More than just sauce. It’s a splash of cozy, Italian charm. That keeps everything moist. And delicious.
Fresh Basil or Italian Parsley: Like a fresh breeze in our kitchen. These herbs add a pop of color. And a whiff of freshness. Reminding us of the simple pleasures.
Worcestershire Sauce, Italian Seasoning, Steak Seasoning: The flavor trio. That brings depth. And a touch of mystery. Making every bite a discovery.
Garlic & Salt: The classics that never disappoint. Bringing their earthy. And enhancing powers to the mix.
Eggs: Our glue. That keeps everything together. Ensuring our meatloaf. Is a masterpiece of cohesion and moisture.
Mozzarella Cheese: The crowning glory. Melting into stretchy delight. It’s what makes the first cut into the meatloaf. A moment of pure joy.
Steps To Make Savory Italian Meatloaf with Cheese:
Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. And giving a Bundt pan a good spray. With cooking spray. Set aside a foil-lined sheet pan for later. In a large bowl. Lovingly mix your ground meats, onion, green pepper, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, pasta sauce, chosen herbs, Worcestershire sauce, seasonings, garlic, salt, and eggs. Mix with your hands. Feel the ingredients blend together. Think of the smiles. This meal will bring.
Step 2: Split the mixture in half. Gently press the first half. Into the Bundt pan. Lay the mozzarella slices. Like little blankets. Tucking them in. Before covering them. With the remaining meat mixture. Bake for 45 minutes. Then prepare for the magic flip. Onto your lined sheet pan. Adorn your meatloaf with slices of cheese. Then back it goes into the oven. Now at 375°F. For a final melt and sizzle. Give it 10 minutes to rest. It’s been through a lot. Then, it’s ready to grace your table. With extra pasta sauce on the side. For those who love a little extra love on their slice.
Tip:
For a truly standout Savory Italian Meatloaf with Cheese. Here’s a pro tip: Let it Rest. After your meatloaf. Has finished its final bake with the cheese beautifully melted on top. Resist the temptation. To slice into it immediately. Instead. Give it a good 10 minutes to rest. Once out of the oven. This resting period. Allows the juices. To redistribute throughout the meatloaf. Ensuring that each slice is moist, flavorful. And holds together perfectly when cut. Not only does this make for a better texture. And taste. But it also makes slicing easier. Ensuring your meatloaf looks as good. As it tastes. When it hits the plate. This little pause. Is the secret to a meatloaf. That’s memorable for all the right reasons!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can! Assemble it up. Until the baking step. Then refrigerate. Add a few minutes to the bake time. If you’re starting from cold.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely. While the blend of lean beef. And Italian sausage offers a specific flavor. Turkey or chicken. Could be lighter alternatives.
How do I store leftovers?
Wrap them tightly in foil. Or a reusable container. This meatloaf tastes even better the next day. And will keep in the fridge. For up to 4 days.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Savory Italian Meatloaf with Cheese
Ingredients
- 3 pounds lean ground beef i.e., 90/10 OR 2 pounds with 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 medium sweet onion finely diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper seeded and finely diced
- 1 c Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 c grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 c pasta sauce plus additional warmed for serving
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or Italian parsley
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons dry Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons steak seasoning i.e., Montreal or Chicago
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt may adjust to taste
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1 8- ounce block mozzarella cheese sliced into 20 equal slices
- 8-10 slices mozzarella or provolone cheese
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a bundt pan with cooking spray and set a foil-lined baking sheet aside.
- Mix: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage (if using), onion, green pepper, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, pasta sauce, basil or parsley, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, steak seasoning, salt, garlic, and eggs. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Layer: Take half of the meat mixture and press it into the bottom of the bundt pan. Place slices of mozzarella cheese over this layer, then top with the remaining meat mixture, pressing down to make sure it's evenly distributed.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Then, carefully drain any excess liquid from the pan.
- Flip & Top: Place the foil-lined baking sheet on top of the bundt pan and flip it over to invert the meatloaf onto the sheet. Arrange the remaining slices of mozzarella or provolone cheese on top of the meatloaf.
- Final Bake: Increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
- Rest & Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with additional warmed pasta sauce on the side.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
