Italian meatloaf is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. This traditional comfort food is made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, as well as flavorful herbs and spices. And what better way to elevate this classic dish than by topping it with a rich and savory marinara sauce? This Italian meatloaf recipe with marinara sauce is sure to become a family favorite and is easy to make with just a few ingredients. So let's dive into the steps to create this mouth-watering dish.
Ingredients:
Meatloaf:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 pound ground veal
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
Marinara Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the meatloaf
Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, pork, and veal until well combined. Add in the onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and beaten egg. Mix everything together until evenly combined.
Step 2: Shape the meatloaf
Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a greased loaf pan. You can also shape it into a free-form loaf on a baking sheet if you prefer.
Step 3: Make the marinara sauce
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the chopped onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Top the meatloaf with marinara sauce
Pour the marinara sauce over the top of the meatloaf, making sure to cover it completely.
Step 5: Bake the meatloaf
Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Step 6: Let it rest and serve
Once the meatloaf is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. The marinara sauce will add a delicious flavor and moisture to the meatloaf, making it even more irresistible.
This Italian meatloaf recipe with marinara sauce is a perfect combination of savory meat and rich tomato sauce that will leave your taste buds satisfied. Serve it with a side of your favorite vegetables or pasta for a complete and satisfying meal. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of Italy in the comfort of your own home.
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