Italian-Style Meatloaf with Spaghetti
✅ Ingredients (Serves 4-6):
For the Italian Meatloaf:
1 lb ground beef (or half beef, half pork for extra flavor)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup milk
1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for serving)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
For the Spaghetti:
8 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt (for pasta water)
Extra marinara sauce for serving (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Gradually add the milk and 1 cup of marinara sauce, mixing everything together until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
3. Form and Bake the Meatloaf:
Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking dish and form it into a loaf shape.
Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
4. Top with Cheese and Marinara Sauce:
Remove the meatloaf from the oven. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the meatloaf, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Cook the Spaghetti:
While the meatloaf is baking, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions in salted water. Drain the pasta and toss it with a little olive oil to keep it from sticking.
If you like, you can heat some marinara sauce in a pan and toss the pasta with it before serving.
6. Serve:
Slice the Italian-style meatloaf and serve it over a bed of spaghetti. Spoon extra marinara sauce over the top and garnish with more Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired.
💡 Tips:
Add Veggies: Feel free to sneak in some finely grated carrots or zucchini into the meatloaf mixture for added moisture and nutrition.
Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce if you want a bit of heat.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the meatloaf ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.