Easy Made Italian Meatloaf

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef

1/2 lb. ground mild Italian sausage

1 small onion, finely chopped

1/2 C. chopped bell pepper (I used orange, it was all I had in the freezer)

1 tsp. olive oil

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 tsp. oregano

1/2 tsp. basil

1/2 tsp. parsley

1 egg, beaten

3/4 C. Italian bread crumbs

2 slices white bread, crumbled

1 T. milk

8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese, reserve 3/4 C. for topping

1/4 C. parmesan cheese

1 C. marinara sauce, plus 1/2 -3/4 C. more for topping

Instructions:

Step 1:

In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over med. high heat and sauté the onion and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes, remove from heat.

In a large bowl, add the meats, onion and peppers along with all remaining ingredients reserving 3/4 C. mozzarella cheese for topping.

Step 2:

Now, dive in there with the best tools God gave you, your hands and combine everything really good.

Once it has all come together, place and mold the mixture in a baking dish of your choice.

I used my oval Portuguese stoneware for ours.

Spoon 1/2 to 3/4 C. of the marinara sauce on top and spread around.

Step 3:

Place in a 400 degree oven for 50 minutes.

Remove from the oven and top with the remaining cheese and sprinkle a little dry basil over the top.

Return to the oven for 10 more minutes.

Make sure the meat is not pink before serving, baking time will vary depending on the thickness of your loaf. Mine was about 2″ thick.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can customize this meatloaf by using a combination of ground meats.

In this recipe, it uses a mixture of ground beef and mild Italian sausage, but you can experiment with other ground meats like turkey, pork, or chicken to suit your taste.

What can I substitute for Italian bread crumbs?

If you don’t have Italian bread crumbs, you can use regular bread crumbs and add extra Italian seasoning or a combination of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley for a similar flavor.

Can I make this meatloaf in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. This can be convenient for meal planning.

Just make sure to adjust the baking time if you’re starting with a cold meatloaf.

What is the best way to check if the meatloaf is done?

The best way to check if the meatloaf is cooked thoroughly is by using a meat thermometer.

The internal temperature should reach at least 160°F (71°C).

Alternatively, you can make a small incision in the center of the meatloaf to ensure that the meat is no longer pink and the juices run clear.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze any leftover slices of meatloaf for future meals.

Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.

They should be good for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.