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#### Seasonings and Flavors
– **Garlic**: Freshly minced garlic adds a wonderful aromatic flavor and is a key ingredient in Italian cooking. You can adjust the amount depending on your personal preference for garlic.
– **Italian Seasoning**: A mix of dried herbs such as basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary, which are commonly found in Italian dishes, creates a lovely fragrance and flavor.
– **Parmesan Cheese**: A generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese mixed into the meatloaf gives it a savory, umami-rich flavor. This ingredient is quintessential to the Italian twist.
– **Fresh Parsley**: Chopped parsley adds color and freshness to the meatloaf, enhancing its visual appeal and providing a nice contrast to the richness of the meat.
– **Salt and Pepper**: Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. These basic seasonings bring out the other flavors in the meatloaf.
#### Tomato Sauce and Topping
– **Tomato Sauce**: A good-quality **marinara sauce** or **tomato sauce** forms the base of the topping for your Italian meatloaf. This not only adds moisture but also complements the Italian flavors perfectly. You can also make your own sauce if you prefer.
– **Mozzarella Cheese**: **Shredded mozzarella** is sprinkled over the top of the meatloaf to create a cheesy, melty layer that’s perfect for a crispy, golden finish.
### Instructions for Making Easy Made Italian Meatloaf
Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s walk through the step-by-step instructions for making your **Easy Made Italian Meatloaf**. The process is straightforward and requires just a few minutes of prep time.
#### 1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. This is the optimal temperature for cooking meatloaf, as it ensures even cooking without drying out the meat.
#### 2. Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the **ground beef** and **ground pork**. If you’re using veal, add that to the mixture as well. Next, add the **breadcrumbs**, **eggs**, **milk**, and a generous amount of **Italian seasoning**.
– **Garlic**: Add in the minced garlic for that aromatic flavor.
– **Parmesan Cheese**: Stir in the grated **Parmesan** cheese for an added layer of flavor.
– **Fresh Parsley**: Fold in the chopped fresh parsley, giving the meatloaf a burst of color and freshness.
– **Salt and Pepper**: Season the mixture with **salt and pepper** to taste.
Mix all the ingredients together until they are well incorporated. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can result in a tough meatloaf. The mixture should be moist but firm enough to hold its shape.
#### 3. Form the Meatloaf
Transfer the meat mixture to a greased loaf pan, or shape it by hand into a loaf shape and place it on a lined baking sheet. Press the meatloaf down gently to ensure it holds its shape during baking. The loaf should be about 2 to 3 inches high and evenly shaped for uniform cooking.
#### 4. Add the Tomato Sauce Topping
Pour a generous layer of **tomato sauce** over the top of the meatloaf. This not only adds flavor but helps keep the meatloaf moist while baking. Make sure the sauce is evenly spread across the top of the meatloaf, covering the entire surface.
#### 5. Bake the Meatloaf
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for **45-55 minutes**, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of **165°F (74°C)**. This ensures that the meatloaf is fully cooked through while remaining juicy and flavorful.
#### 6. Add Mozzarella Cheese
During the last 10 minutes of cooking, remove the meatloaf from the oven and sprinkle **shredded mozzarella cheese** over the top. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
#### 7. Rest and Serve
Once the meatloaf is cooked through and the cheese has melted, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about **10 minutes** before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making the meatloaf more flavorful and easier to slice.
Slice the meatloaf into thick pieces and serve it hot with your favorite sides. It pairs wonderfully with **roasted vegetables**, **mashed potatoes**, or a simple side salad.
### Tips and Variations
– **For extra flavor**, try adding a few spoonfuls of **pesto** to the meat mixture before baking. The basil and garlic in the pesto will complement the Italian flavors even more.
– **Leftovers** can be used for sandwiches the next day. Simply slice the meatloaf and place it between two slices of Italian bread, and add a little extra tomato sauce and mozzarella for an Italian-inspired meatloaf sandwich.
– **For a spicy kick**, add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or mix in some chopped **jalapeños** or **banana peppers**.
– If you don’t have a loaf pan, you can shape the meat mixture into a free-form loaf on a baking sheet. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
### Conclusion
**Easy Made Italian Meatloaf** takes a beloved classic comfort food and adds an Italian twist that enhances its flavor and texture. The combination of **garlic, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and tomato sauce** makes this meatloaf flavorful, tender, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this dish is sure to impress everyone with its savory flavors and satisfying qualities.
By following this simple recipe and adding your own creative touches, you can enjoy a comforting, delicious meal that will become a new favorite in your household. Plus, with the addition of **cheese, herbs, and tomato sauce**, you’ll elevate your meatloaf to a whole new level of deliciousness that’s sure to have everyone coming back for seconds. Happy cooking!
