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Italian Meatloaf

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A cozy, no-fuss Italian meatloaf made with ground beef, mild Italian sausage, aromatic vegetables, and herbs, delivering comfort food with Mediterranean flavors.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20) gives good flavor and moisture; use leaner if preferred
  • 1/2 lb ground mild Italian sausage removes the need for extra salt or fennel; use sweet or hot to vary flavor
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped yellow or sweet
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper any color; red adds sweetness
  • 1 tsp olive oil for sautéing vegetables
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 clove garlic, minced or 1/2 tsp garlic powder if you’re in a pinch
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment for free-form loaves.
  2. Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground mild Italian sausage, the sautéed vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, and dried oregano. Gently mix with your hands or a fork until combined—avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.
  5. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan (or shape directly on the baking sheet).
Cooking
  1. Bake for 50–65 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 160°F (71°C). If you like a glazed top, brush with a light tomato-based glaze in the last 10–15 minutes.
  2. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Resting locks in juices and makes slicing easier.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 20gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 490mgSugar: 1g

Notes

No Italian sausage? Substitute with pork sausage plus 1/2 tsp fennel and a pinch more salt. For gluten-free, this recipe works without breadcrumbs; if you prefer a binder, add 1/3 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs or an egg. You can stir in 2 tablespoons of milk or tomato sauce for added moisture and tang.
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