Italian meatloaf is a meatloaf made for pasta lovers. Think a giant meatball covered in marinara then dusted with nutty parmesan cheese. A simple, flavorful recipe for the entire family!

Dive in the rich and authentic flavors of Italy with this mouthwatering Italian meatloaf recipe. Made with a perfect blend of herbs, spices, and ground beef, this dish is guaranteed to transport your taste buds straight to the rustic kitchens of Italy.
Combining the classic flavors of Italy, such as garlic, oregano, and Parmesan cheese, this recipe is a true celebration of Italian cuisine.
If you’re cooking for a family dinner this Italian meatloaf is sure to be perfect. The combination of savory herbs and tender ground meat creates a flavor-packed dish that is both comforting and satisfying. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, so you can enjoy a taste of Italy without spending hours in the kitchen.
How To Make Italian Meatloaf
Ingredients needed
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Worcestershire sauce
- Buttermilk
- Egg
- Breadcrumbs
- Marinara
- Grated parmesan cheese
Important tip before starting
When making meatloaf always cook the veggies first. This is not a step you want to skip. It adds more flavor to the meatloaf and gets rid of the extra water in the veggies.

Making the Italian meatloaf recipe
- First, dice up the onion then sauté the onion and garlic together. Right before removing the pan from the heat add in the Italian seasoning to allow the dried herbs begin to rehydrate with the onions and garlic. Set to the side to cool and continue to the next step.
- In a large bowl, add in the ground meat. Toss in the beaten eggs, breadcrumbs, buttermilk, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce and lastly the cooked onions and garlic. Mix everything to the point where it’s evenly combined. Cover the bowl then refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- Line a loaf pan and add in the mixture for the meatloaf. Press it down and shape it to remove any possible air pockets.
- Place the meatloaf in the oven for 45 minutes then remove and top with the marinara sauce. Place the meatloaf back in for 20 minutes or until the meatloaf is fully cooked in the center.
- Allow to cool for 15-20 minutes and just before serving sprinkle the grated parmesan across the top then slice and enjoy.
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Italian Meatloaf
Equipment
- 9 inch loaf pan
Ingredients
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 pound 85/15 ground beef
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- grated parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- First, dice up the onion then sauté the onion and garlic together. Right before removing the pan from the heat add in the Italian seasoning to allow the dried herbs begin to rehydrate with the onions and garlic. Set to the side to cool and continue to the next step.
- In a large bowl, add in the ground meat. Toss in the beaten eggs, breadcrumbs, buttermilk, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce and lastly the cooked onions and garlic. Mix everything to the point where it's evenly combined. Cover the bowl then refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350℉.
- Line a loaf pan and add in the mixture for the meatloaf. Press it down and shape it to remove any possible air pockets. Or you can shape the meatloaf by hand and place on a sheet pan.
- Place the meatloaf in the oven for 45 minutes then remove and top with the marinara sauce. Place the meatloaf back in for 20 minutes or until the meatloaf is fully cooked in the center.
- Allow to cool for 15-20 minutes and just before serving sprinkle the grated parmesan across the top then slice and enjoy.