Classic Italian Meatloaf Parmesan
This is meatloaf’s cozy Italian cousin — the one who shows up wearing a marinara “coat” and a blanket of melted mozzarella, and suddenly everyone’s asking for seconds.
Classic Italian Meatloaf Parmesan has that same comfort-food feeling you love about traditional meatloaf, but with big, saucy, cheesy baked-ziti energy. It’s tender and savory from the beef-and-pork mix, dotted with garlic and onion, and finished with that bubbly, golden cheese layer that makes the whole kitchen smell like a Sunday dinner.
It’s the perfect meal for chilly nights, family dinners, or anytime you want something hearty that feels familiar but a little more special. And leftovers? Even better the next day — especially tucked into a sandwich.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
1½ pounds ground beef
½ pound ground pork
1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup milk
2 large eggs
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely diced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping
1½ cups marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a loaf pan, or line a baking dish with parchment paper if you want easy cleanup (highly recommended on busy nights).
2. Mix the Meatloaf (Gently!)
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, eggs, garlic, onion, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Mix with your hands or a fork until everything is just combined. Stop as soon as it comes together — overmixing can make meatloaf dense, and we want it tender.
You’ll notice the mixture feels a little soft. That’s good. It bakes up juicy.
3. Shape and Bake
Form the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in your prepared pan or baking dish.
Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
This gives the loaf time to set and cook through before we add the sauce and cheese.
4. Add Marinara and Cheese
Carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven.
Spread marinara sauce evenly over the top — like you’re frosting a cake, but, you know… a delicious savory one.
Sprinkle mozzarella over the sauce, then finish with a little extra Parmesan.
At this point, it already looks like dinner.
5. Bake Until Bubbly
Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
If you want extra browning on top, you can broil for 1–2 minutes at the very end — just keep a close eye so the cheese doesn’t go too far.
6. Rest, Slice, and Serve
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold together and keeps all those juices where they belong.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with extra marinara on the side.
Presentation Tips
Slice the meatloaf with a sharp knife and wipe the blade between cuts for clean, pretty slices.
Serve each slice with a spoonful of marinara underneath so it looks restaurant-y and stays saucy.
Add a small sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley right on top for a bright finish.
Pair with spaghetti, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for the full Italian comfort-food moment.
Nutritional Information:
⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
🔥 Kcal: Approximately 550 kcal per serving
🍽️ Servings: 6 servings
Conclusion
This Italian Meatloaf Parmesan is warm, hearty, and unapologetically comforting — the kind of meal that makes people linger at the table and sneak back into the kitchen for “just one more bite.”
If you’re craving something cozy and classic with a little cheesy flair, make this soon. It’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation.