Parmesan Meatloaf is a deliciously savory and cheesy twist on classic comfort food. Packed with rich flavors from ground meat, herbs, and parmesan cheese, this dish brings a satisfying balance of texture and taste. The addition of Italian seasoning and breadcrumbs enhances its depth, while the parmesan adds a nutty and salty bite. Baked to perfection and topped with marinara sauce and extra cheese, this meatloaf is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a comforting weekend meal. Serve it alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete dish!
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ pounds (680g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style preferred)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Topping:
- ½ cup marinara or tomato sauce
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Meatloaf Mixture
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, grated Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the milk. Pour this into the meat mixture.
Step 2: Adding Flavorful Ingredients
- Stir in chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley.
- Using clean hands, gently mix the ingredients until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it can make the meatloaf dense.
Step 3: Shaping and Baking
- Transfer the mixture to the loaf pan and shape it evenly.
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
Step 4: Adding the Topping
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread marinara sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Step 5: Resting and Serving
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite more flavorful.
- Serve warm with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
Why You’ll Love This Parmesan Meatloaf
- Rich, cheesy goodness—Parmesan and mozzarella take this meatloaf to the next level.
- Perfectly seasoned—Italian herbs and garlic add incredible depth to the flavor.
- Easy to make—Minimal prep with maximum taste!
Want variations? You can swap the beef for ground turkey, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, or even mix in a bit of ricotta for an extra creamy bite. Let me know how you want to customize it!