Flavorful Italian-inspired meatloaf topped with a hearty layer of melted mozzarella cheese make up this delicious Italian Meatloaf recipe!

overhead view of sliced italian meatloaf next to remaining loaf

Meatloaf isn’t always the most beautiful food, but when you’re digging into a hearty piece – especially of this Italian Meatloaf covered in mozzarella cheese – you don’t mind! If you’re looking for an easy family-friendly meal, give this ‘loaf a try.

Why You Will Love This Italian Meatloaf Recipe

It’s so easy to make. Meatloaf is certainly an easy-to-make meal and this variation is no exception!
It will remind you a little of pizza. Meatloaf is definitely not pizza, but with the marinara-based topping with a thick layer of melted mozzarella, there’s a little nod to pizza in this dish.
It pairs with a variety of sides. You can pair this meatloaf with a side of pasta, veggies, rice pilaf, etc.

Ingredients Needed for Italian Meatloaf

Ingredient quantities for this easy homemade meatloaf are located in the recipe card at the end of the post.

Lean ground beef
Ground Italian sausage
Shredded Parmesan cheese
Italian-style breadcrumbs
Extra-virgin olive oil
Large eggs
Salt
Pepper
Italian seasoning
Minced garlic
Worcestershire sauce
Yellow onion
Tomato paste
Marinara sauce
Brown sugar
Mozzarella cheese

Ingredient Note

I recommend using a ground beef that is no more than 10% fat (e.g., 90/10, 93/7, 96/4).

How To Make Easy Italian Meatloaf Recipe (Quick Overview)

The steps below are just a quick overview of how to make the easy meatloaf recipe. The full process in detail is located in the recipe card at the end of the post.

overhead view of four steps for how to make an italian meatloaf

Preheat oven to temperature listed on recipe card (end of post).
Photo 1: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine all the ingredients, making sure not to overmix.
Photo 2: Take a rimmed baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or foil. Place the meatloaf mixture onto the sheet and form an even 8” x 4” loaf shape.
Bake the meatloaf for 35 minutes.
While the meatloaf is baking, mix marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and brown sugar in a small bowl.
Photo 3: Take out the meatloaf from the oven.
Photo 4: Brush on the topping and sprinkle cheese on top.
Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches at least 165 F, as indicated by a meat thermometer. If necessary, return it to the oven for another 5 minutes at a time.

More Meatloaf Recipes

overhead view of sliced homemade glazed meatloaf topped with ketchup glaze and a side of roasted broccoli and carrots on a white serving dish — **Turkey Meatloaf Recipe**

sideview of healthy turkey meatloaf with ketchup glaze and sliced evenly on a white serving dish — **Turkey Meatloaf Recipe**

See Pink in Your Meatloaf? 😱

Seeing pink in your meatloaf doesn’t necessarily mean your meatloaf is undercooked! As long as you use a meat thermometer to test the internal temperature in various locations and it comes out at 165 F or higher every time, you’re good to go.

The “pink when it’s fully cooked” color can come from a reaction between the oven’s heat and myoglobin, as explained by the USDA.

More Italian Recipes

overhead view of meatball pasta bake casserole in a glass casserole dish with meatballs, rigatoni, marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese — **Meatball Pasta Bake Casserole**

overhead view of meatball casserole topped with cheese in a glass casserole dish on a white marble countertop and clean white dishtowel laying next to it — **Meatball Pasta Bake Casserole**

Just look at all that delicious melted cheese down there 👇😍 This meatloaf is SO good!

sideview of italian meatloaf covered in melted mozzarella cheese

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Italian Meatloaf

Flavorful Italian-inspired meatloaf topped with a hearty layer of melted mozzarella cheese make up this delicious Italian Meatloaf recipe!

Servings

Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Keyword easy dinner recipes, ground beef recipes, italian recipes, keto italian recipes, low carb meatloaf, meatloaf recipes

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef (see notes)
1/2 lb ground Italian sausage
1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
1/4 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 large eggs (whisked)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup yellow onion (minced)
1 oz tomato paste

Topping

1/4 cup marinara sauce
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 cup mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 F.
In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine all the ingredients, making sure not to overmix.
Take a rimmed baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or foil. Place the meatloaf mixture onto the sheet and form an even 8” x 4” loaf shape.
Bake the meatloaf for 35 minutes.
While the meatloaf is baking, mix marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and brown sugar in a small bowl.
Take out the meatloaf from the oven, brush on the topping and sprinkle cheese on top. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches at least 165 F, as indicated by a meat thermometer. If necessary, return it to the oven for another 5 minutes at a time.

Notes

I recommend using a ground beef that is no more than 10% fat (e.g., 90/10, 93/7, 96/4). Higher-fat ground beef (like 80/20) will leak too much fat while cooking and it will be harder for the topping to adhere.

Nutrition Disclaimer

Nutrition Estimates are per serving and included as a courtesy only. They are accurate to the best of our knowledge based on the ingredients and brands used, but their accuracy is not guaranteed.