Ingredients:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce (divided)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
2. Mix the Meatloaf:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, ½ cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, ½ cup of marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Use your hands to mix the ingredients until well combined, being careful not to overmix.
3. Shape the Meatloaf:
- Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking sheet or loaf pan, shaping it into a loaf. Press the mixture firmly to ensure it holds together during baking.
4. Bake the Meatloaf:
- Spread the remaining ½ cup of marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
5. Add the Cheese:
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- After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella over the top.
- Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the meatloaf is cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F or 70°C).
6. Serve:
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot, with extra marinara sauce on the side if desired.
Tips:
- Mix of Meats: You can use a mix of ground beef, pork, and veal for extra flavor and tenderness.
- Stuffing Variation: For a twist, you can stuff the meatloaf with a layer of cheese in the middle before baking.
Enjoy your flavorful and cheesy Italian meatloaf!
