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
How To Make EASY MADE ITALIAN MEATLOAF
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.
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.
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.
Here are some additional tips and variations for making Easy Italian Meatloaf:
1. **Meat Variations**: While the recipe calls for ground beef and mild Italian sausage, you can experiment with different combinations of meats to suit your taste. Try using ground turkey, ground pork, or even a mixture of ground meats for variety.
2. **Vegetable Additions**: Feel free to customize the meatloaf by adding other vegetables such as finely chopped mushrooms, carrots, or celery. These additions can add texture and flavor to the meatloaf.
3. **Herb Substitutions**: If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried herbs instead. Just remember that dried herbs are more potent than fresh, so you’ll need to use less. For example, use about half the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh.
4. **Cheese Options**: While mozzarella cheese is used in this recipe, you can also try other types of cheese such as cheddar, provolone, or even a combination of different cheeses for added flavor.
5. **Breadcrumbs**: If you don’t have Italian breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs and add additional Italian seasoning or dried herbs to the mixture for extra flavor.
6. **Sauce Variations**: Instead of marinara sauce, you can use your favorite tomato-based sauce or even barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile. Experiment with different sauces to find your favorite combination.
7. **Cooking Vessel**: The recipe suggests using a baking dish, but you can also shape the meatloaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
8. **Make-Ahead Option**: You can prepare the meatloaf mixture in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This is convenient for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests.
9. **Serving Suggestions**: Serve the meatloaf with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad for a complete meal.
Enjoy making and serving this Easy Italian Meatloaf to your family and friends!
