Italian Meatloaf

User Reviews

5

66 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    20 mins

  • Cook Time

    1 hr

  • Total Time

    1 hr 20 mins

  • Servings

    6

  • Calories

    633 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    Italian

Italian Meatloaf

Italian Meatloaf blends ground chuck with garlic, parsley, Parmesan, and soaked white bread crumbs to form a moist, flavorful loaf. Baked with dry red wine and plum tomatoes, the dish develops rich, savory layers. Mushroom and onion topping adds earthy notes and soft texture, complementing the hearty meat base. It's a comforting meal that balances tender meat with aromatic herbs and a tomato-wine sauce.

Description

Italian Meatloaf starts by mixing ground chuck with finely grated garlic, minced parsley, Parmesan cheese, and soaked breadcrumbs made from stale white bread. Eggs and milk bind the mixture, resulting in a moist and tender loaf. The loaf is shaped and placed in a baking dish, then basted with dry red wine and crushed plum tomatoes seasoned with kosher salt. Baking at 400°F until an internal temperature of 160°F ensures thorough cooking with a juicy center.

While baking, sliced mushrooms are browned in olive oil for a concentrated, earthy flavor and seasoned. Onions cooked in olive oil until soft bring sweetness to the topping. This combination is applied over or served alongside the meatloaf, enhancing taste and texture contrast.

This meatloaf pairs well with traditional sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or pasta. Its tomato and wine base add a savory depth making it suitable for family meals. Allowing the loaf to rest before slicing helps maintain its shape and juiciness.

Breadcrumbs can be made at home from stale bread or substituted with store-bought. Leftovers keep well refrigerated up to three days or frozen for three months. Reheat gently to preserve moisture.

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Ingredients

Servings

Meatloaf ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground chuck
  • 4-5 lices white bread turned into breadcrumbs, see notes, stale
  • 1/4 cup parsley minced
  • 2 cloves garlic grated
  • 2 large egg beaten
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup milk

Remaining ingredients for sauce and topping

  • 1/2 cup red wine dry
  • 1 ounce can plum tomatoes hand crushed or blender pulsed
  • 1 pound mushrooms sliced
  • 1 large onion sliced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil divided
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400f and set the rack to the middle level.
  2. Gently mix all of the meatloaf ingredients together in a large bowl. Form an approximately 9 inch long by 5 inch wide loaf and place in a baking dish.
  3. Pour the dry red wine over the meatloaf and add the plum tomatoes to the baking dish. Season the tomatoes with a 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and mix together to distribute. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until meatloaf reaches 160f with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the deepest part of the loaf.
  4. After placing the meatloaf in the oven, heat a large pan to medium heat. Once hot add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil and then the mushrooms. Cook the mushrooms until well browned, season with salt, then move to a plate.
  5. Using the same pan, turn the heat down to medium-low, add the remaining olive oil and onions to the pan. Cook the onions for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent and season with a touch of salt. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and add the mushrooms and onions to the sauce. Return the meatloaf to the oven to finish cooking.
  6. Once the meatloaf has achieved the 160f internal temp, remove it from the oven and wait 15 minutes before cutting so that the meatloaf stays together. Serve with the mushroom and onion sauce and grated cheese on the side. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Pulse stale bread in a food processor or crush in a bag to create fresh breadcrumbs for better texture.
  • If the meat mixture feels too wet, add extra breadcrumbs to help it bind.
  • Let the meatloaf rest for at least 15 minutes after baking to firm up for easier slicing.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in oven at 350°F until warmed through or use a microwave.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 633kcal (32%) Carbohydrates 34.5g (12%) Protein 59.2g (118%) Fat 26.1g (40%) Saturated Fat 10.8g (54%) Cholesterol 174mg (58%) Sodium 1121mg (47%) Potassium 817mg (17%) Fiber 3.3g (13%) Sugar 6.9g (14%) Calcium 277mg (28%) Iron 8mg (44%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 633 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 633kcal 32%
Carbohydrates 34.5g 12%
Protein 59.2g 118%
Fat 26.1g 40%
Saturated Fat 10.8g 54%
Cholesterol 174mg 58%
Sodium 1121mg 47%
Potassium 817mg 17%
Fiber 3.3g 13%
Sugar 6.9g 14%
Calcium 277mg 28%
Iron 8mg 44%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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66 reviews
Excellent

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