Parmesan Flavored Meatloaf
This Parmesan Flavored Meatloaf is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food, combining ground turkey and beef for a tender and flavorful texture.
Infused with Italian seasoning, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, this meatloaf is topped with marinara sauce and melty mozzarella for a rich, savory finish.
Perfect for a hearty family dinner, it pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
People will love this Parmesan Flavored Meatloaf because it’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
The combination of ground turkey and beef creates a juicy and tender meatloaf, while the Italian seasoning and garlic add depth.
The Parmesan cheese gives it a savory, umami-rich taste, and the marinara sauce with melted mozzarella on top makes it irresistibly comforting.
It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that brings a delicious, cheesy twist to a classic favorite!
Key Ingredients:
Ground turkey and ground beef for a flavorful, hearty base
Italian seasoning and garlic for a fragrant, savory kick
Bread crumbs to bind the meat mixture together
Grated parmesan for a rich, cheesy flavor
Marinara sauce for a touch of tanginess
Shredded mozzarella cheese for a gooey, melty topping
Diced onion to add sweetness and depth to the meatloaf
Parmesan Flavored Meatloaf
Ingredients:
1 pound ground turkey
1 pound ground beef
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
¼ cup bread crumbs
1 large onion, diced
2 large eggs
½ cup grated Parmesan
½ cup marinara sauce
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt, pepper, and olive oil
Instructions:
Prepare the Oven:
Set the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a loaf pan with olive oil.
Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend the ground turkey, ground beef, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, bread crumbs, diced onion, eggs, and grated Parmesan.
Shape and Arrange:
Form the mixture into a loaf and place it inside the prepared loaf pan.
Top with Sauce & Bake:
Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the loaf. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes.
Add the Cheese:
Remove from the oven and sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top.
Final Baking:
Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and bubble.
Rest & Serve:
Let the meatloaf sit for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm with your favorite sides!
Notes:
Ground Meat Choice: Using a combination of ground turkey and beef gives a great balance of lean and flavor, but feel free to swap in all beef or turkey if preferred.
Cheese: If you like extra cheesiness, you can sprinkle a little more parmesan or mozzarella on top before baking.
Binding: The bread crumbs help to hold everything together, but you can use crushed crackers or oats if you don’t have bread crumbs on hand.
Flavor Variations: Experiment with adding other seasonings such as onion powder, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs to adjust the flavor profile.
Resting: Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes after baking before slicing. This helps it stay together and makes it easier to cut.
Freezing: This meatloaf freezes well, so feel free to make extra and freeze individual portions for easy future meals.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: ~350 kcal | Protein: ~30g | Carbohydrates: ~10g | Fat: ~20g | Saturated Fat: ~7g | Cholesterol: ~90mg | Sodium: ~500mg | Fiber: ~1g | Sugar: ~4g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey or beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground chicken for either the ground turkey or beef.
Ground chicken will give you a leaner meatloaf but still retain the flavor.
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the meatloaf and refrigerate it (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking.
Just bake it as directed when you’re ready to cook.
Alternatively, you can freeze it before baking for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
What can I use instead of marinara sauce for the topping?
If you prefer something different, you can use tomato sauce, ketchup, or a mixture of both.
Some people like to add a little honey or brown sugar for sweetness.
How can I make this meatloaf spicier?
You can add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or some diced jalapeños into the meat mixture to give the meatloaf an extra kick.
Adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance!
Can I use a different cheese for the topping?
Yes, you can swap mozzarella with provolone, cheddar, or any cheese you prefer.
Keep in mind that different cheeses may alter the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious!
Why is it important to mix the meat thoroughly?
Mixing the meat thoroughly ensures that all the ingredients, like the seasoning, breadcrumbs, and eggs, are evenly distributed.
This helps the meatloaf hold together and ensures a consistent flavor throughout.
Can I make the meatloaf without breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can use oats or crushed crackers as a substitute for breadcrumbs.
If you want to keep it gluten-free, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats.
How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
The meatloaf should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to be fully cooked.
You can check with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s done.
If you don’t have a thermometer, the meatloaf should be firm to the touch and no longer pink inside.
Can I freeze the meatloaf before cooking it?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatloaf. Shape it into a loaf and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing.
When you’re ready to cook, bake it from frozen, but you may need to increase the cooking time by 15–20 minutes.
Can I make this meatloaf without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute eggs with other binding agents like mashed potatoes, applesauce, or a flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg).
The texture might vary slightly, but it will still hold together well.