Italian Meatloaf Recipe

Recipe Overview

• Level: Easy
• Servings: 4
• Total Time: 1 hr 15 min
  • Preparation Time: 10 min
  • Cooking Time: 1 hr
  • Rest Time: 5 min

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (1 of 4 servings):

• Calories: 1644
• Total Fat: 115 g
• Saturated Fat: 43 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Dietary Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 13 g
• Protein: 98 g
• Cholesterol: 453 mg
• Sodium: 1973 mg

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 teaspoons chopped garlic (about 6 cloves)
• 2 medium onions, diced
• 2 red bell peppers, seeded and finely chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves, chopped
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs
• 3 pounds ground beef
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup marinara sauce

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350F and prepare your workspace for an impressive homemade meatloaf.
2. In a medium saut pan over medium heat, warm 1/4 cup of olive oil and add the garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then add the diced onions and peppers. Saut until they become just tender, creating an aromatic base for your dish. Allow the mixture to cool.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh basil, parsley, and eggs, then season with salt and black pepper. In another bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs to create a flavorful binding mixture.
4. In a large bowl, blend the ground beef with the herb and egg mixture, Parmesan and breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Use your hands to combine thoroughly, being careful to avoid overmixing, which keeps the texture tender and succulent.
5. Grease a loaf pan and firmly press the meat mixture into it. If you don't have a loaf pan, shape the meat into a loaf on an oiled baking sheet or dish. Smooth the top and spread the marinara sauce evenly over it for a beautiful, appetizing finish.
6. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 160F at the center. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and servingthis resting period ensures juicy, flavorful slices every time.