Description
This Best Italian Meatloaf offers a flavorful twist on classic meatloaf by incorporating mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, and diced tomatoes. It’s an easy-to-prepare, hearty dish perfect for a family dinner, combining savory herbs with the richness of ground beef for a moist and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ¾ cup dry bread crumbs
- ¼ cup ketchup
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian-style seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
Add-ins
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all the necessary ingredients for the meatloaf to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the meatloaf.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, beaten eggs, dry bread crumbs, and ketchup thoroughly until well combined. Add the Italian-style seasoning, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic salt, drained diced tomatoes, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Shape and Prepare for Baking: Press the meat mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf pan, forming a compact loaf. Loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil to retain moisture while baking.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (70°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest briefly before slicing and serving. Enjoy your flavorful Italian meatloaf!
Notes
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) to safely cook ground beef.
- Draining the diced tomatoes prevents excess moisture, keeping the meatloaf firm.
- Using a foil cover helps keep the meatloaf moist during baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Serve with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
