Cheesy Italian Meatloaf with Marinara Glaze
If classic meatloaf feels a little too “old-school” for your mood, this Italian-style version is about to win you over. Think tender slices of beef-and-pork meatloaf, cozy Italian herbs, a sweet-tangy marinara glaze… and the best part: a melty mozzarella center that stretches just a little when you cut into it.
This is the kind of dinner that makes the whole house smell like Sunday supper. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or anytime you want something hearty that still feels fun. And honestly? Leftovers are incredible — the flavors settle in overnight and somehow get even better.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
½ pound ground pork
1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
½ cup whole milk
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for filling)
1 ½ cups marinara sauce (divided)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat and prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (my favorite for easy cleanup) or lightly grease a loaf pan.
2. Mix the meatloaf base
In a large bowl, add the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, diced onion, garlic, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Try not to overmix — that’s the secret to keeping it tender instead of dense.
3. Shape it out
Transfer the mixture to your prepared surface and pat it into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just even.
4. Add the cheesy middle
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella down the center of the rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges. (This helps keep the cheese tucked inside where it belongs.)
5. Roll and seal
Carefully roll the meat mixture into a loaf, folding and sealing the edges so the mozzarella is fully enclosed. Give it a gentle squeeze and shape it into a firm loaf.
6. First bake with sauce
Spread ½ cup marinara sauce over the top. Bake for 40 minutes.
7. Sauce + cheese moment
Remove the meatloaf from the oven. Spread the remaining marinara over the top, then sprinkle on the mozzarella for the topping.
8. Finish baking
Return it to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to brown in spots.
9. Rest, slice, and enjoy
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices (and that gooey cheese) from running everywhere. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Presentation
For a “wow” moment, slice it at the table so everyone can see that cheesy center. A little extra marinara spooned onto each plate makes it feel extra cozy and restaurant-y.
Garnish with fresh parsley for color, and if you want to lean into the Italian comfort-food vibe, serve it with:
spaghetti or pasta shells tossed in marinara
roasted garlic mashed potatoes
a crisp green salad with balsamic dressing
And if you have a little extra Parmesan? A light sprinkle over the top right before serving never hurts.
Nutritional Information:
⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
🔥 Kcal: Approximately 520 kcal per serving | 🍽️ Servings: 6 servings
Conclusion
This Cheesy Italian Meatloaf is everything you want from comfort food: hearty, flavorful, and just a little indulgent. Between the herby meat, that glossy marinara glaze, and the melty mozzarella surprise inside, it’s the kind of meal people remember (and request again).
If you’re craving something cozy and satisfying, put this on your “make it soon” list. It’s simple enough for a weeknight, special enough for company, and absolutely worth turning the oven on for.