Italian Meatloaf

Italian Meatloaf... a delicious spin on that comfort food favorite.   It's easy to put together... and with easy sides like pasta and a vegetable... not only will the family love this ... you can relax while it's in the oven.

TIPS

You can use any spaghetti sauce you prefer.. homemade or store-bought. 

I used a 1/4 cup pizza sauce in the meatloaf mix.. I always have pizza sauce on hand... if you don't you can substitute spaghetti sauce.

I like to use Hunt's Diced Tomatoes.. they seem to dice them the best and the can has little juice so you get a nice amount of diced tomatoes.... use any variety you prefer... Garlic and Onion is a good choice... I like the Basil Garlic and Oregano variety...

The shredded cheese used in this recipe is the 6 cheese Italian variety...  if you don't have it.. you can substitute shredded mozzarella.

I used a loaf pan with an insert so the grease... what little there is.. drains off.

Try this delicious recipe... you'll love it!

Recipe:  Italian Meatloaf

All you need:

1 1/2 pounds very lean ground beef

2 eggs

3/4 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup pizza sauce

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon dried oregano

i teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 can (14.5 oz.) Hunt's Diced Tomatoes with Basil Garlic and Oregano

1 3/4 cups finely shredded 6 cheese Italian cheese mix

Spaghetti Sauce (for on top when serving and on the side)

All you have to do:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Mix all the ingredients except the Spaghetti Sauce in a large bowl.  Press it into a 9 inch loaf pan.

Bake for 1 hour 20 minutes or until interior temp reaches 160 degrees F.

Remove from the pan and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.  Spread a generous amount of Spaghetti sauce over the top and serve with additional sauce.