If you love classic comfort food with a vibrant, cheesy twist, you’re going to adore this Italian Meatloaf with Cheesy Tomato Glaze Recipe. This dish takes the traditional meatloaf everyone knows and loves, then infuses it with Italian flair—rich savory sausage, savory Parmesan, and a luscious tangy glaze topped with melting mozzarella. The result is a crowd-pleaser that’s moist, full of flavor, and just begging to be shared at your next family dinner or cozy weeknight meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential to bringing out the authentic Italian charm in this meatloaf. Each component adds a unique layer of flavor, texture, or color to ensure every bite is as delightful as the last.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides a hearty, juicy base for the meatloaf.
- ½ lb Italian sausage: Adds savory spices and richness to deepen the flavor profile.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder to hold the loaf together perfectly.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs: Helps keep the texture tender and prevents the loaf from drying out.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty flavor that enhances the Italian character.
- 1 cup marinara sauce (divided): Brings zesty tomato brightness and moisture throughout the meatloaf and as a glaze.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs to elevate the overall taste.
- Salt & pepper: Simple seasonings to balance and bring out all the flavors.
How to Make Italian Meatloaf with Cheesy Tomato Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Mixture
Set your oven to 375 °F (190 °C) to get it nice and hot for baking. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, half of the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently but thoroughly. This blend will ensure your meatloaf is evenly seasoned and delightfully moist.
Step 2: Shape Into a Loaf
Transfer the meat mixture into a baking dish and shape it into a compact loaf. Taking care when shaping will help it cook evenly and hold its shape without crumbling.
Step 3: Apply the Cheesy Tomato Glaze and Bake
Spread the remaining marinara sauce generously over the top of the loaf. This glaze is what truly sets this Italian Meatloaf with Cheesy Tomato Glaze Recipe apart — it adds a bright tomato punch and keeps the top beautifully moist as it bakes. Place the loaf in the oven and let it bake for 45 to 50 minutes until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches a safe level. If you want to get extra indulgent, add shredded mozzarella on top during the last 10 minutes to create that melty, cheesy crown everyone craves.
How to Serve Italian Meatloaf with Cheesy Tomato Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley sprinkled on top bring a fresh herbal brightness and gorgeous green color. A light dusting of extra Parmesan just before serving adds an elegant touch and an additional boost of savory goodness.
Side Dishes
This Italian Meatloaf with Cheesy Tomato Glaze Recipe pairs beautifully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, garlic sautéed spinach, or a crisp Caesar salad. Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus add color and balance the richness with their natural sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve the meatloaf sliced on a platter surrounded by those vibrant roasted veggies. Or, for a cozy individual meal, plate thick slices alongside a scoop of buttery polenta and a drizzle of warm marinara sauce for an elegant yet comforting presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your meal, cover any leftover Italian Meatloaf with Cheesy Tomato Glaze Recipe tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, and it’ll stay juicy and flavorful, ready for a tasty second round.
Freezing
This meatloaf freezes exceptionally well. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then a layer of foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you want a comforting dinner ready to go, just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325 °F (165 °C) until warmed through, usually about 15-20 minutes. Cover loosely to avoid drying out, preserving that luscious cheesy tomato glaze and tender texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can work, but keep in mind they are leaner, so adding a bit of olive oil or an extra egg might help maintain moisture in your Italian Meatloaf with Cheesy Tomato Glaze Recipe.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No worries! You can easily make your own blend with dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. This DIY mix will keep your meatloaf flavorful and aromatic.
Can I prepare this meatloaf ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can assemble the meatloaf the day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. Then bake it fresh when you’re ready. This is a great time-saver for busy days.
Is this meatloaf spicy?
It has a mild, savory flavor typical of Italian sausage, but it is not spicy. If you like a little kick, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage instead.
How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
The safest and best indicator is using a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 160 °F (71 °C). The meatloaf should also be firm to the touch and the glaze bubbly and slightly caramelized.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for a new way to enjoy a timeless comfort dish, this Italian Meatloaf with Cheesy Tomato Glaze Recipe is a must-try. It’s simple to prepare, packed with irresistible flavors, and sure to become a favorite in your home. Grab your ingredients, and let this cheesy, saucy, meaty masterpiece brighten up your next dinner!
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Italian Meatloaf with Cheesy Tomato Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A flavorful Italian twist on traditional meatloaf — moist, cheesy, and baked with a zesty tomato glaze that brings classic Italian flavors to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb Italian sausage
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
Glaze
- 1 cup marinara sauce (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C) to prepare for baking the meatloaf evenly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, half of the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients.
- Shape Loaf: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a suitable baking dish.
- Apply Glaze: Spread the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top of the shaped meatloaf for added flavor and moisture during baking.
- Bake: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 160 °F (71 °C).
- Optional Cheese Topping: During the last 10 minutes of baking, optionally top the meatloaf with shredded mozzarella cheese for a melty, cheesy finish.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve hot.
Notes
- Adding mozzarella cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking creates a delicious, melty topping.
- Use fresh Italian seasoning or a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme for best flavor.
- Ensure the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160 °F to guarantee safety.
- For a lower-fat option, use lean ground beef and turkey Italian sausage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
