The Art of Making a Delicious Italian-Style Meatloaf
Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's a versatile dish that can be dressed up or down depending on your preferences. If you're looking for a flavorful and satisfying meatloaf recipe, try this Italian-style version. It's packed with savory flavors and is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, onion, green bell pepper, parsley, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until evenly combined.
- Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- Spread marinara sauce over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center registers 160 degrees F (71 degrees C).
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for Making the Best Italian-Style Meatloaf:
- Use high-quality ground beef for the best flavor.
- Don't overmix the meatloaf mixture. Overmixing can result in a tough meatloaf.
- If you don't have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs instead. Use about 1/3 the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh herbs.
- For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon or two of olive oil to the meatloaf mixture.
- Serve the meatloaf with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a salad.
Kitchen Items Used:
- Large bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Loaf pan
- Meat thermometer
Herbs and Spices Used:
- Oregano
- Basil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make Italian-style meatloaf recipe. It's a great meal for a weeknight dinner or for a special occasion. Bon appetito!