Meatloaf Parmesan Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

For the Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until everything is well incorporated, but don’t overwork the meat to keep the meatloaf tender.
3. Shape the Meatloaf:
   • Transfer the meat mixture to the loaf pan and shape it into a loaf. Alternatively, you can shape it by hand and place it on a lined baking sheet.

Step 2: Bake the Meatloaf

1. Bake the Meatloaf:
   • Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and is firm to the touch. If you’re using a loaf pan, you may want to remove the meatloaf from the pan halfway through baking to allow the sides to crisp up.

Step 3: Add the Topping

1. Top with Marinara Sauce:
   • Once the meatloaf is cooked, remove it from the oven and spoon the marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
2. Add the Cheese:
   • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the marinara sauce.
3. Melt the Cheese:
   • Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish:
   • Once the cheese has melted, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for an extra burst of color and flavor.
2. Serve:
   • Let the meatloaf rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with pasta, a side salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips:

• Breadcrumbs: For extra flavor, use Italian-style breadcrumbs or add a teaspoon of dried oregano to plain breadcrumbs.
• Meat Mix: For a juicier meatloaf, you can use a mix of ground beef, pork, and veal.
• Freezer-Friendly: You can make this meatloaf ahead of time, bake it, and freeze it before adding the sauce and cheese. When you’re ready to eat, just bake with the sauce and cheese on top.
• Extra Marinara: If you like extra sauce, serve additional marinara on the side for dipping.

This Meatloaf Parmesan is a delicious, comforting dinner with the best of both worlds—classic meatloaf topped with all the flavors of a hearty, cheesy Italian dish! Enjoy!