⭐ Instructions
1. Preheat
- Heat oven to 180°C / 350°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil a baking dish.
2. Hydrate the Breadcrumbs
- Mix crumbs + milk and let sit 2 minutes.
- This makes the meatloaf SUPER soft and juicy.
3. Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large bowl combine:
- ground beef
- soaked breadcrumbs
- eggs
- onion
- garlic
- Parmesan
- parsley
- Italian seasoning
- paprika
- Worcestershire (if using)
- salt & pepper
Mix gently — do not overmix to avoid a dense loaf.
4. Shape & Fill (Optional)
- Place the meat mixture on parchment paper.
- Flatten into a rectangle.
- Add slices of ham + cheese in the center.
- Roll tightly (like a jelly roll) into a loaf shape.
- Seal edges so cheese stays inside.
You can skip the filling if you want a classic plain version.
5. Add Sauce
Mix the sauce ingredients and spoon over the top of the meatloaf.
6. Bake
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until cooked through.
Broil for 2–3 minutes for a beautiful golden top.
🌿⭐ Serve With
- Mashed potatoes
- Pasta with marinara
- Green salad
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
🍅✨ Tips for the BEST Italian Meatloaf
- Use 50% beef + 50% pork for ultimate tenderness (optional).
- Don’t press the mixture tightly — keep it airy.
- Let the meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing.
- Add extra sauce when serving for an authentic Italian touch.
If you want, I can also prepare:
📌 A short Facebook caption
🎥 A quick video script for this recipe
🧀 A cheese-stuffed version only
🍝 A slow cooker Italian meatloaf version
Just tell me!