A savory spin on a comfort food classic, Meatloaf Parmesan combines juicy ground meats with Italian cheese and herbs for a flavorful, oven-baked dish everyone will love.
This easy Italian meatloaf recipe is topped with marinara and melted cheese, delivering weeknight dinner perfection in just over an hour.
What You’ll Need for This Meatloaf Parmesan
- Ground turkey – Adds lean, mild richness that balances the fattier beef for a tender texture.
- Ground beef – Delivers juicy, hearty flavor that’s essential for a classic meatloaf base.
- Eggs – Help bind the loaf together, keeping it firm yet moist.
- Breadcrumbs – Add structure and prevent the meat from becoming dense or rubbery.
- Dried basil, thyme, oregano – Italian herbs infuse aromatic depth throughout the loaf.
- Garlic – Fresh and punchy, it boosts the umami in every bite.
- Grated onion – Adds natural sweetness and moisture without overpowering the loaf.
- Salt and black pepper – Essential for balance and overall flavor.
- Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, salty richness right into the mix.
- Marinara pasta sauce – Coats the top with tangy tomato flavor for a classic Italian touch.
- Shredded Italian cheese blend – Melts into a gooey, golden crust.
- Fresh parsley – Finishes the dish with color and brightness.
How to Make This Italian-Inspired Meatloaf
Start by mixing ground turkey and beef with eggs, breadcrumbs, garlic, herbs, onion, and Parmesan. Be gentle—over-mixing leads to dense meatloaf.
Shape the mixture in a loaf pan and spread marinara over the top. Sprinkle shredded Italian cheese and fresh parsley over the sauce for a melty, flavorful finish.
Bake until golden, juicy, and cooked through. Use a thermometer to ensure the center hits 155°F for perfect doneness without drying it out.
Tips & Tasty Twists for Meatloaf Parmesan
To keep your meatloaf moist and tender, avoid compacting the mixture too much when forming the loaf. Using grated onion instead of chopped adds moisture without overpowering the flavor, while mixing with your hands helps maintain a lighter texture.
For a twist, swap the marinara for spicy arrabbiata or roasted red pepper sauce. You can also substitute the Italian cheese blend with fresh mozzarella slices for a gooier, pizza-inspired topping. Want extra flavor? Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms into the mix.
How to Store, Reheat & Enjoy Leftovers
Let the meatloaf cool completely before storing. Wrap slices tightly or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped in foil and sealed in freezer bags for up to three months.
Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or microwave slices gently, covered, to retain moisture. Add a bit of extra marinara before reheating for even more flavor and a just-made feel.
Parmesan Flavored Meatloaf
Ingredients
- ½ cup marinara pasta sauce preferably Delallo brand
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 3 –4 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup shredded Italian cheese blend
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 small onion grated
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 –2 cloves garlic finely minced or pressed
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and all dried herbs. Incorporate the garlic, grated onion, salt, and pepper, followed by the Parmesan cheese. Using your hands, gently mix until just combined, being cautious not to overwork the mixture to maintain a light texture.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing it evenly while shaping a gently domed top. Spread the marinara sauce evenly across the surface, then top with shredded Italian cheese and a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley.
- Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet to catch any drippings. Bake for approximately 55 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F. Remove from the oven when done.
- To serve, slice the meatloaf or cut into thick squares. Optionally, top with additional sauce and cheese, and return briefly to the oven to melt the cheese. Garnish with more parsley before serving.
