Italian meatloaf, often called “polpettone,” is a delicious twist on the classic American meatloaf. It’s typically made with ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and various Italian herbs and spices. Here’s a recipe to guide you through making Italian meatloaf at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, according to your preference)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for serving)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
- Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage (removed from casings if using links), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, parsley, garlic, onion, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and beaten eggs. Mix everything together until well combined. You can use your hands for this step, but be gentle to avoid overmixing.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to the greased loaf pan and shape it into a loaf, smoothing the top with your hands or a spatula.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf, spreading it with a spoon or spatula.
- Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the meatloaf during the last 10 minutes of baking, allowing it to melt and become bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes for easier slicing. Serve slices of Italian meatloaf with additional marinara sauce on the side, if desired.
Enjoy your homemade Italian meatloaf with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad. Buon appetito!
