🍽️ Parmesan Meatloaf
Ingredients:
-
1 ½ lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
-
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
-
½ cup milk
-
2 large eggs
-
½ small onion, finely chopped
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
-
1 tsp Italian seasoning
-
½ tsp salt
-
¼ tsp black pepper
-
½ cup marinara or tomato sauce (plus extra for topping)
-
Optional: ½ cup shredded mozzarella for topping
Instructions:
-
Preheat Oven:
-
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
-
Prepare the Meat Mixture:
-
In a large bowl, combine milk and breadcrumbs; let sit a minute to soften.
-
Add ground beef, eggs, onion, garlic, Parmesan, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and ½ cup marinara.
-
Mix gently with your hands or a spoon — don’t overmix, or the meatloaf can become dense.
-
-
Shape and Place in Pan:
-
Lightly grease a glass loaf pan (9×5-inch).
-
Transfer the meat mixture to the pan and shape evenly.
-
-
Add Topping:
-
Spread a few spoonfuls of marinara sauce over the top.
-
Sprinkle with extra Parmesan or mozzarella if you like a cheesy crust.
-
-
Bake:
-
Bake 55–65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
-
If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the last 15 minutes.
-
-
Rest Before Serving:
-
Remove from oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing — this keeps it juicy and firm.
-
-
Serve:
-
Serve with extra warm marinara on the side, mashed potatoes, or a green salad.
-
🍅 Tips:
-
Using lean ground beef (85–90%) keeps it moist but not greasy.
-
You can line the pan with parchment or foil for easy removal.
-
For extra flavor, mix a bit of shredded mozzarella or provolone right into the meat mixture.
Would you like me to give you a Parmesan Meatloaf with Italian-style glaze (a mix of tomato paste, garlic, and herbs) instead of marinara? It adds a deeper flavor and glossy finish.
