This outstanding EASY MADE ITALIAN MEATLOAF recipe is sure to please the entire family, and the leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any!) are amazing!
Ingredients
1 lb. ground beef
1/2 lb. ground mild Italian sausage
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (I used orange, it was all I had in the freezer)
1 tsp. olive oil
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. parsley
1 egg, beaten
3/4 cup Italian bread crumbs
2 slices white bread, crumbled
1 tbsp. milk
8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese, reserve 3/4 cup for topping
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1 cup marinara sauce, plus 1/2 – 3/4 cup more for topping
Instructions
In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté the onion and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes, then remove from heat.
In a large bowl, add the ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and bell pepper, along with all remaining ingredients, reserving 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese for topping.
Mix everything thoroughly using your hands until well combined.
Place and mold the mixture into a baking dish of your choice.
Spoon 1/2 to 3/4 cup of marinara sauce on top and spread it evenly.
Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 50 minutes.
Remove from the oven, top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, and sprinkle a little dry basil over the top.
Return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink.
Note: Baking time may vary depending on the thickness of your loaf. Mine was about 2 inches thick.
