Description
Classic parmesan meatloaf brings comfort and nostalgia to family dinner tables. Home cooks can easily craft this hearty Italian-inspired dish with simple ingredients and minimal preparation time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) ground beef (80/20) or ground turkey
- 2 large eggs
- 0.5 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup (120 ml) milk
- 1 cup (120 g) breadcrumbs (Italian-style or plain)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 cup (120 ml) marinara sauce
- 0.25 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for a shiny finish)
Instructions
- Preparation Setup: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan, establishing the perfect cooking foundation.
- Mixture Composition: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Gently fold ingredients together, maintaining a light touch to preserve the meat’s tender texture without overworking the mixture.
- Loaf Formation: Mold the meat mixture into a uniform loaf shape on the prepared surface, ensuring even thickness for consistent cooking and optimal flavor distribution.
- Glaze Creation: Whisk marinara sauce with Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil, creating a rich, glossy topping that will caramelize beautifully during roasting.
- Baking Process: Generously spread the glaze over the meatloaf’s surface. Roast in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, targeting an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for beef or 165°F (74°C) for turkey to guarantee complete and safe cooking.
- Resting and Serving: Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute. Slice and plate with complementary sides like mashed potatoes or a crisp salad, transforming a classic dish into a memorable meal.
Notes
- Prevent Dry Meatloaf: Use a blend of ground meats like beef and pork to boost moisture and create richer flavor profile, preventing dense, dry texture.
- Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold ingredients with light hand, avoiding aggressive mixing which can make meatloaf tough and compact, preserving tender, delicate consistency.
- Maximize Flavor Depth: Include umami-rich Worcestershire sauce and fresh herbs to elevate taste complexity, transforming standard meatloaf into a more sophisticated dish.
- Control Temperature Precision: Let meat reach room temperature before mixing and use meat thermometer to guarantee perfect doneness without overcooking, ensuring juicy, succulent results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg