Savory Italian Meatloaf with Cheese
Imagine a meatloaf. That wraps the warmth of a family hug. And the zest of an Italian countryside picnic. Into one. This Savory Italian Meatloaf with Cheese. Is not just a dish. It's a journey through flavors. And memories. Each slice is a tender, juicy embrace of lean ground beef. And Italian sausage. Mingled with the sweet notes of onion. And bell pepper. All held together by a golden, cheesy blanket. That bubbles. And smiles. At you from the oven. It's a recipe. That goes beyond feeding the body. It nurtures the soul. Making every dinner table. A place of laughter. Love. And slices of comfort. Wrapped in mozzarella.
12 Servings
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
To transform this comforting Savory Italian Meatloaf with Cheese. Into a gluten-free delight. A simple swap. Is all you need. Replace the traditional Panko breadcrumbs. With your choice of gluten-free breadcrumbs. Or even a homemade blend of gluten-free oats. Pulsed into a coarse meal. This not only keeps the dish inclusive. For those with gluten sensitivities. But also adds a unique. Slightly nutty flavor profile. That beautifully complements. The Italian herbs and cheeses. Remember to also check. That your pasta sauce. Worcestershire sauce. And steak seasoning. Are certified gluten-free. With these adjustments. Everyone can gather around the table. For a slice of this hearty, cheese-laden Italian meatloaf. Basking in the warmth of a meal. Shared without compromise.