If you’re looking for a recipe that transforms the traditional meatloaf into an irresistibly cheesy delight, then this Parmesan Meatloaf is your culinary dream come true. This dish takes the comforting familiarity of classic meatloaf and infuses it with robust Italian flavors, creating a mouth-watering combination that’s sure to evoke OMG reactions from everyone at the table.
The inclusion of Parmesan cheese not only adds a rich, savory depth but also ties together the pork and beef in a delightful dance of flavors.
This Parmesan Meatloaf recipe is perfect for those who love a hearty, satisfying meal that still brings a touch of elegance to the dinner table. With its perfect crust of melted cheese and a tender, flavorful interior, every slice is a testament to the joys of home cooking.
Whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner or saving leftovers for a delicious sandwich the next day, this meatloaf is bound to become a staple in your recipe collection. Let’s get started on this scrumptious dish!
Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 to 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 small yellow onion, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pasta sauce (e.g., marinara)
- 1/2 cup shredded Italian cheese blend
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a loaf pan by lightly greasing it with cooking spray, preferably a glass bread loaf pan for even cooking.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, thyme, oregano, basil, minced garlic, grated onion, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything together gently to avoid overworking the meat, which can make it tough.
- Form the Loaf: Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Gently press the mixture into the pan and shape it into a loaf. Then, evenly spread the pasta sauce over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet for stability and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: After the hour, carefully remove the meatloaf and drain any excess grease. Sprinkle the top with shredded Italian cheese blend, then return it to the oven. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meatloaf moist and easy to slice.
- Enjoy: Serve the slices of meatloaf warm, ideally with a side of mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or extra marinara sauce for dipping.
