Italian Meatloaf

This Italian Meatloaf is everything you love about a cozy meatball dinner—just on a bigger, cheesier scale. It’s juicy, tender, and packed with flavor from herbs, sauce, and plenty of melty mozzarella. Whether it’s a casual weeknight or a lazy Sunday, this dish is always a winner at the dinner table.

A Meatloaf That Tastes Like a Giant Meatball

This isn’t your average meatloaf. Think of it as the perfect mash-up of classic comfort and Italian flair. We’re talking garlic, fresh herbs, parmesan, seasoned breadcrumbs, pasta sauce, and mozzarella in every bite. It’s got that hearty, saucy, cheesy thing going on that makes it feel like a warm hug. And if you’re anything like me, the smell that fills your kitchen while it bakes is just irresistible.

What makes this version special is the gooey mozzarella mixed right into the meat and melted all over the top. It’s rich, satisfying, and just the kind of thing you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Meatloaf

• Simple to make: Everything gets mixed in one bowl, formed into a loaf, and baked. No fancy steps.
• Low in carbs, high in satisfaction: This is a naturally low-carb recipe that still feels indulgent.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prep it the night before and just pop it into the oven when ready to bake.
• Comforting and flavorful: It’s a no-fuss, cozy meal that delivers big on taste.
• Cheese lovers rejoice: With mozzarella inside and on top, it’s everything you’d want from a cheesy meat dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground beef: I go with 80/20 for a good balance of flavor and moisture, but leaner works too.
• Egg: Helps hold everything together.
• Parmesan: Freshly grated is best—it adds a salty, nutty bite.
• Fresh basil and parsley: Fresh herbs really brighten it up. Dried can work in a pinch.
• Pasta sauce: Use a flavorful marinara or spaghetti sauce—not plain tomato sauce.
• Italian bread crumbs: These come pre-seasoned, which means more flavor without extra effort.
• Mozzarella: Half goes inside the loaf, half on top for that perfect cheesy finish.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

How to Make Italian Meatloaf

1. Mix Everything Together

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, chopped basil and parsley, ½ cup of the sauce, ½ cup mozzarella, and the egg. Use your hands or a spoon to mix it gently until everything is just combined.

2. Shape the Loaf

Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment and give it a light spray of oil. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide—roughly 1 inch thick.

3. Bake

Bake for 35–40 minutes. Then take it out, spoon the remaining ½ cup of sauce over the top, sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella, and pop it back into the oven for 10 more minutes—or until the cheese melts and the internal temperature hits at least 160°F.

Tips, Variations & Swaps

• Want it spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce to the meat mix.
• Going gluten-free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• More veggies? Shredded zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, or spinach mix in beautifully.
• Leaner option: Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Mix up the meat: A combo of ground beef and sausage or pork adds extra depth.
• Loaf pan friendly: You can bake this in a loaf pan—just increase baking time to about 60 minutes.

What to Serve With It

This meatloaf pairs beautifully with:

• A crisp Italian salad
• Roasted baby potatoes or mashed potatoes
• Steamed or sautéed greens—think green beans, broccoli, or brussels sprouts

And don’t skip the leftovers. I love slicing it up and stuffing it into a sandwich the next day with crusty Italian bread. Trust me, it’s even better the second time around.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing: Once cooled, wrap the meatloaf tightly or store in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Let it cool fully, then wrap slices (or the whole loaf) in plastic and place in a freezer-safe container or zip bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: To reheat, bake in a 400°F oven—10–15 minutes if refrigerated, or 30–40 minutes if frozen. You can also microwave slices until hot.

This Italian Meatloaf is one of those meals that feels like home—familiar, flavorful, and downright comforting. It’s a little cheesy, a little saucy, and a whole lot of satisfying. Perfect for any night you want dinner to feel a little extra special without much extra work.

Try other recipes:

• Healthy Meatloaf
• Smoked Meatloaf with BBQ Glaze
• Southern Meatloaf