This tasty Italian Meatloaf combines ground beef and pork with onions, garlic, Italian seasoning, Panko breadcrumbs, and fresh basil, all smothered in marinara and melted mozzarella. It is such a nice change from the traditional meatloaf recipe.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients on the recipe card below.
- Ground beef: Please use ground beef with some fat. Fat gives the beef flavor.
- Ground pork: You can substitute Italian sausage.
- Italian seasoning: Italian Seasoning or fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, basil, and parsley
- Breadcrumbs: Use Panko, regular, or homemade breadcrumbs.
- Fresh basil: This herb really adds dimension and flavor to the meatloaf.
- Marinara: Use your favorite brand or make it homemade, as in this baked meatball recipe.
- Mozzarella: You can substitute an Italian cheese blend.
How To Make Italian Meatloaf
This is a summary version; for the complete list of ingredients and instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.
- Combine the ground beef, ground pork, onions, garlic, Italian seasoning, eggs, Panko breadcrumbs, half the fresh basil, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and half the marinara sauce.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf on a baking sheet. Spread the remaining marinara over the top. Bake for 50 minutes.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and top with shredded mozzarella and the remaining fresh basil. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese melts and the internal temperature is 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Serving Suggestions
- Potatoes: garlic mashed potatoes, au gratin potatoes, and twice-baked potatoes.
- Vegetables: sauteed carrots, roasted cauliflower, and creamed spinach.
- Salad: Italian salad with homemade vinaigrette, mandarin orange salad, and strawberry spinach salad.
More Ground Beef Recipes
Italian Meatloaf
This tasty Italian Meatloaf combines ground beef and pork with onions, garlic, Italian seasoning, Panko breadcrumbs, and fresh basil, all smothered in marinara and melted mozzarella.
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Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 394kcal
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1¼ cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly oil a large baking sheet.
- Combine the ground beef, ground pork, onions, garlic, Italian seasoning, eggs, Panko breadcrumbs, half the fresh basil, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and ½ cup of marinara sauce in a large bowl.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the remaining marinara over the top. Bake for 50 minutes.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and top with the shredded mozzarella and the remaining fresh basil. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese melts and the internal temperature is 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave at reduced power for short increments until warm.
Nutrition
Calories: 394kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 139mg | Sodium: 690mg | Potassium: 505mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 381IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 127mg | Iron: 3mg
Did You Make This Recipe?Mention @smalltownwomanfoodnut or tag #smalltownwomanfoodnut!
Kade
This is such a comforting and flavorful twist on a classic meatloaf. I love how Italian herbs and seasonings can completely transform a familiar dish into something special. Thanks for the recipe, Beth!
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome. Kade!
Karletta
This recipe totally upleveled my meatloaf to lunch with guests standards. Perfect comfort food to have on a winter day. I served with mash potatoes.
Beth Pierce
So happy that you liked it, Karletta!
Ebony
I made this for my family and we loved it! It’s better than traditional meatloaf with the addition of the pork. Can’t wait to make this again!
Beth Pierce
So happy that you liked it, Ebony!
Eliz
You created a masterpiece meatloaf and I bet everyone who tried it wanted more! We loved it. Thank you for the great recipe!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Eliz!
joy
Holy canoli! You had me at melted mozarella and my family went wild about it. they are asking when we’ll be making it again.
Beth Pierce
So happy that you and your family liked it!
Tammy
Meatloaf is such a comforting winter meal. This turned out great and made delicious sandwiches the next day. Everyone loved it and I will definitely be making again!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Tammy! I am so glad that you liked it.
Amy
I love the Italian flavors in this meatloaf! The herbs and cheese really level it up, and it stayed so juicy. I served it with a side of pasta, and it was a total hit with the family.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Amy! So glad that you liked it!
Ben
This is crazy good. I’ve never had meatloaf like this before. AAA.
Terri
This is such a fun meatloaf recipe! I made it last night with mashed potatoes, but I think next time I’ll be serving it with pasta and sauce.
Beth Pierce
So glad that you enjoyed it, Terri!