Skip to Content

Easy Italian Meatloaf Recipe

Sharing is caring!

It’s time to make everyone happy at dinner and make this Easy Italian Meatloaf Recipe! It’s the perfect simple dinner that makes juicy and delicious meatloaf. Everyone will love this easy beef recipe!

You can add your favorite sides or let this yummy meatloaf be the star of the dinner show. As long as you follow the directions on the recipe card below, you’ll have a new family favorite on your hands!

The biggest thing to remember about making homemade meatloaf is that you want to have clean hands and dig in!

The process for making meatloaf is quite simple – I think you will be impressed!

2 Pack Apronner Bib Aprons for Women Soft Cotton Linen Kitchen Cooking Chef Apron with Pockets Adjustable Machine Washable 003Meat Chopper, Hamburger Chopper, Premium Heat Resistant Mix Chopper, Ground Beef Chopper Tool & Meat Fork, Potato Masher,Safe for Non-Stick CookwareFarberware Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set, 15 Piece, PewterFast Defrosting Tray - Meat Thawing Board for Natural Thawing Frozen Meat and Food - Miracle Thaw for Fridge - Rapid Thaw Defrosting Plate to Keep Original Food Flavor - Large with Drip Tray

 

Easy Italian Meatloaf Recipe

Meatloaf has become one of my go-to dinner recipes for the kids. I love that I can prep and make it easily, and it’s hot and ready in a quick amount of time.

My boys love meatloaf night because this recipe has it down to science. I used to think that meatloaf was dry and flavorless, but this easy recipe proves that false!

This is one of the dinners I make when I want something hearty to give us energy for the week. Plus – there are usually leftovers, which makes the meal and grocery budget stretch even further!

Why is my meatloaf dry?

If your meatloaf turns out dry, it’s essential to revisit your cooking technique to ensure a juicy and flavorful result.

First, consider the fat content of the meat you’re using; leaner meats often produce drier meatloaf. Mixing in fattier meat like pork or using ground beef with a little more fat can make a significant difference.

Another tip is to examine your binder-to-meat ratio; too little can leave your meatloaf crumbly and dry. Incorporate moistening agents like beaten eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, or grated vegetables, which release moisture during cooking. Be careful not to overmix as it can compact the mixture, leading to denseness after baking.

Cook your meatloaf at the right temperature – and don’t overcook it. A meat thermometer can prevent guessing!

Let it rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. This step redistributes juices, keeping your meatloaf moist and savory.

Specialty Ingredients:

The following ingredients are affiliate links on Amazon because they may be a bit hard to find in your normal store.  I wanted you to be able to see exactly which things we are using.

Reminder, not all ingredients in the Beef Meatloaf Recipe are linked above, just the ones that may be a bit difficult to find or that you might be unsure of what to look for

Shop My Kitchen:

The following items can be found in my kitchen here at Miller Manor. Simply click the image that interests you – yes, they do contain affiliate links.

Must Have Resources:

When making Italian Meatloaf at home, you really need to have the following Amazon affiliate tools on hand.

          

 

Make it a Meal:

This juicy meatloaf recipe is one of the biggest reasons I love meal plans. If you’re ready to start planning the meals, I’m here to help!

Vegetable Side: Keto Creamy Brussels Sprouts Bake Recipe

Starch Side: Loaded Baked Potato Casserole Recipe

Refreshing Drink: Copycat Starbucks Pink Drink Recipe

Don’t forget Dessert: Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

Best Beef Recipes:

Once you make this Comfort Food Meatloaf Recipe, consider all the other fun things you can make with the beef in your freezer!

Here are some other great recipes you can easily make and share with family and friends!

This Creamy Tomato Beef Noodle Skillet Recipe has loads of yummy flavor!

Find out how simple it is to make this Braised Beef Burgundy Recipe! Perfect for special occasions!

Vegetable Beef Soup is one of my favorite soups during the cold months!

Tired of the same old flavors? Give this Beef Macaroni and Cheese Recipe a go!

The kids will love the flavor of this Crockpot Ravioli recipe! It’s really easy to make!

Now is the perfect time to make these 25+ Beef Stir Fry Recipes!

These 20 Instant Pot Ground Beef Recipes need to be on your dinner radar.

How do I reheat leftover meatloaf without drying it out?

Reheating leftover meatloaf without subjecting it to overcooking requires a bit of finesse. To ensure your meatloaf remains moist and delectable, try covering it loosely with aluminum foil to lock in moisture during reheating.

Warm it in a preheated oven at a moderate temperature—around 250°F (120°C)—for about 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the slices. This allows the heat to be distributed evenly without zapping the moisture.

Another method is to add a splash of beef broth or water before covering it with foil to reintroduce moisture.

If you prefer the microwave, reheating in brief intervals on medium power while turning the meatloaf occasionally can also prevent it from drying out. Always use a thermometer to ensure it reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

With these tips, your leftover meatloaf can maintain its juiciness and flavor, making it a savory encore to the original meal.

Shop My Planning Printables:

The following planning printables of mine can be found on:

More Italian Recipes:

Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or an experienced chef, integrating more Italian recipes into your cooking repertoire can infuse your meals with the warmth of Italy.

As you delve deeper into these recipes, you’ll find that the quality of ingredients is paramount; fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, and extra virgin olive oil can transform a simple dish into a masterpiece.

Here are some of my favorite Italian flavors and tastes – I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do!

Easy Italian Meatloaf Recipe

Easy Italian Meatloaf Recipe

Yield: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

This easy Italian Meatloaf recipe is perfect for dinner. It's the perfect comfort food recipe!

Ingredients

  • 2 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 package Chicken Stove top Stuffing
  • 1 can 14 oz Italian-Style diced tomatoes, un-drained
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup spaghetti sauce divided
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Mix everything except 1/4 cup each sauce and cheese.
  3. Shape into a 9x13 cooking dish and spray lightly on the bottom.
  4. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 50 minutes.
  5. Drain off grease, and then top the loaf with the remaining sauce and cheese.
  6. Remove the aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 385Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 169mgSodium: 452mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 41g

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

What side dishes will you serve with this Beef Meatloaf recipe?

Sharing is caring!

Jill

Monday 3rd of March 2014

This sounds delicious!

Thank you for stopping by the Thoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop this week. We hope to see you drop by our neck of the woods next week!

Sara

Saturday 1st of March 2014

Oh, yum!! My family loves meatloaf but sometimes it gets a little boring. This is a great recipe to change it up! Thanks for sharing and thanks for linking up with us at Tell Me About It Tuesday! I hope you hop over again next week.

Miz Helen

Friday 28th of February 2014

Hi Kelli, We would just love your Italian Meatloaf and its so easy! Thank you so much for sharing your awesome post with Full Plate Thursday and have a great weekend. Come Back Soon! Miz Helen

Marj M.

Thursday 26th of July 2012

This is going on my list to try soon. I love Stuffing and can't wait to taste it in meatloaf. yum. gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

patti

Wednesday 25th of July 2012

Never thought to add stuffing - great idea! Looks so tasty

Skip to Recipe