Italian Meatloaf Mozzarella (Print-Friendly)

Juicy Italian meatloaf layered with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meatloaf

01 - 2 pounds ground beef (85% lean)
02 - 3 slices Italian bread, torn into small pieces
03 - 1 cup whole milk
04 - 2 eggs
05 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
07 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

→ Assembly and Topping

12 - 2 cups marinara sauce, divided
13 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
14 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F.
02 - Line a baking sheet or baking dish with parchment paper. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, torn Italian bread, milk, eggs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Mix gently until just combined.
04 - Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it onto the prepared baking sheet over the marinara sauce.
05 - Spread the remaining 1 cup marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
06 - Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
07 - Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese on top of the meatloaf.
08 - Set the oven to broil on high. Broil for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Monitor closely to prevent burning.
09 - Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley, slice, and serve with extra marinara sauce if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The mozzarella melts into pockets of richness that make every bite feel indulgent without being fussy.
  • Marinara sauce does double duty, cradling the meatloaf from below and topping it with flavor that soaks in as it bakes.
  • This feeds a crowd easily and tastes even better as leftovers, making it perfect for meal prep without any of the stress.
02 -
  • Watch the broiler like your reputation depends on it because mozzarella goes from bubbly perfection to burnt crust in about 90 seconds flat.
  • Letting the meatloaf rest even for three minutes makes it so much easier to slice cleanly instead of falling apart on your spatula.
03 -
  • Freeze leftover slices between parchment paper for instant meals that reheat beautifully in the toaster oven without drying out.
  • Use a meat thermometer instead of guessing because it's the single easiest way to guarantee perfect results every single time.
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