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Thick slices of juicy Italian Meatloaf in a white dish, topped with rich marinara sauce, melted cheese, and fresh parsley.

Hearty Italian Meatloaf with Savory Tomato Glaze

This tender Italian meatloaf is packed with classic flavors like Parmesan, garlic, and herbs, topped with a tangy-sweet tomato glaze. It's a comforting family favorite that's surprisingly easy to make.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 475

Ingredients
  

For the Meatloaf
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef 80/20 lean
  • 0.5 lbs ground pork
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup milk whole or 2%
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 0.5 red bell pepper finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Glaze
  • 0.5 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar packed
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • 9x5 inch Loaf Pan (or baking sheet)
  • Small Skillet
  • Whisk

Method
 

Prepare the Aromatics
  1. Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Mix the Meatloaf
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Add the Panko breadcrumbs, milk, and lightly beaten egg. Gently add the cooled sautéed onion, bell pepper, and garlic mixture.
  2. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Mix thoroughly but gently with your hands until all ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
Form and Bake the Meatloaf
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan or form the mixture into an oblong loaf directly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Bake for 45 minutes. While the meatloaf bakes, prepare the glaze.
Prepare the Glaze
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
Glaze and Finish Baking
  1. After 45 minutes of baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Spread the prepared glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  2. Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) with a meat thermometer.
  3. Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.

Notes

For best results, use fresh, good quality ground meats. If you don't have a loaf pan, shaping the meatloaf free-form on a baking sheet allows for a crispier exterior. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and are excellent in sandwiches.