Italian sausage and ground beef are combined with Italian herbs, parmesan and ricotta cheese in the best Italian Meatloaf recipe! This meatloaf is made in one hour, with only 10 minutes of prep time, for an easy meal.

Italian meatloaf sitting on top of a bowl of spaghetti noodles, topped with fresh chopped parsley

Simply delicious, better than expected. I added mozzarella cheese to the top right before taking it out of the oven. Will definitely be making this again!

-Tracy K

I used to think that meatloaf was boring. That is until I started putting my own spins on the classic dish! I mean, who can deny a Buffalo Cheesy Meatloaf? It’s meat, cheese and buffalo sauce, and it’s so delicious!

And there’s 100% chance you’ll fall in love with this Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf. It’s meat wrapped in meat, what’s not to love?

With so many delicious meatloaf recipes to choose from, it’s hard to pick a favorite. Though this Italian Meatloaf definitely ranks up at the top!

Since originally making this recipe 6 years ago, I’ve tweaked it and updated it to create THE BEST Italian Meatloaf ever. Seriously, ask my friends! I make this all the time when I want to impress my guests. As described by one friend, “It’s like the most delicious giant meatball ever!“

The key to any great recipe for meatloaf, or meatballs, is a combination of meats. In this recipe I used Italian pork sausage and ground beef. The Italian sausage can be mild or spicy, your choice!

I then add ricotta cheese to the meatloaf to give it an extra creamy texture. I guarantee, this will be the best meatloaf you’ll ever eat and you’ll want to make it again and again!

ingredients for Italian meatloaf on wood board

Ingredients

Here I explain the best ingredients for this Italian Meatloaf recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For the exact ingredient measurements, see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

  • Olive oil
  • Onion –  I prefer a yellow onion in this recipe for it’s nice, neutral flavor.
  • Bell pepper – I like to use red bell peppers, as they are naturally sweeter than green, but feel free to use either, or a combination of both.
  • Garlic – I always recommend fresh minced cloves for the best flavor!
  • Ground beef – I recommend using a lean ground beef that’s 80/20, meaning 80% lean and 20% fat. This will give you the perfect amount of fat to make a tender, juicy meatloaf!
  • Italian pork sausage – If you can’t find Italian sausage, not in the casing, you can always use Italian link sausage, and simply remove the sausage from the casing before adding it to this meatloaf recipe. Feel free to use mild, or hot Italian sausage, based on your taste preference. You could also use ground pork, but I love the extra flavor that the sausage adds to the recipe.
  • Italian seasoning – I highly recommend my homemade seasoning, linked here. It’s so flavorful and easy to mix up in less than 5 minutes! Of course, you can always purchase pre-made seasoning on the spice aisle at the grocery store.
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Panko breadcrumbs
  • Marinara sauce – use this homemade marinara sauce recipe, or purchase a jar of your favorite sauce. We’re big fans of Raos marinara sauce at our house, when I’m not making a homemade sauce.
Italian meatloaf covered in marinara sauce on top of spaghetti in a white bowl

Instructions

For the full detailed recipe instructions, ingredient quantities and a step-by-step video of how this recipe is made, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet on the stove over medium high heat. Cook diced onion, bell pepper and garlic in the olive oil. Transfer to a large bowl.
  2. Add ground beef, Italian sausage and Italian seasoning. Add ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.
  3. Combine all of the ingredients, then press the meat mixture into a 9-inch by 5-inch loaf pan. Place the meatloaf in the oven preheated to 375°F for 25 minutes.
  4. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and top with marinara sauce. Place back in the oven to bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F on a meat thermometer.
  5. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before removing from the loaf pan to slice and serve.

What to serve with it

Serve Italian meatloaf with a side of cooked pasta and extra marinara sauce. Or instead of pasta, serve the meatloaf with Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes. I’ve served this before with the meatloaf and it’s seriously the most delicious meat and potatoes meal ever!

For a side of bread to go with the meatloaf, try these Garlic Knots or Tomato Basil Bruschetta.

For a side salad, try this Crispy Eggplant Caprese Salad or Quinoa Caprese Salad.

Two slices of Italian meatloaf on top of cooked spaghetti noodles on a white plate

More Italian recipes

To make more delicious Italian food at home, check out these other popular Italian recipes!

Kurt’s Famous Pan Pizza

One Pot Italian Sausage Shells and Cheese

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatball Wellington

Easy Bolognese Meat Sauce with Roasted Tomatoes
Italian Meatloaf sitting on large bowl of spaghetti noodles with fresh parsley on top
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4.60 stars (20 ratings)
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Italian Meatloaf

Say hello to your new favorite comfort food twist, Italian Meatloaf! This recipe takes a classic meatloaf and gives it a flavorful upgrade with Italian herbs, marinara sauce, and plenty of cheese. It’s easy to make, totally family-friendly, and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner with a little extra flair!
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Author: Whitney Bond
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Video

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  • Add the olive oil to a large skillet on the stove over medium high heat.
  • Add the onion and bell pepper, cook for 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  • Add the cooked onion, bell pepper and garlic to a large bowl with the ground beef, Italian sausage, Italian seasoning, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, combine well.
  • Press the mixture into a 9-inch by 5-inch loaf pan.
  • Place in the oven and bake for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the marinara sauce over the meatloaf.
  • Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before removing from the loaf pan to slice and serve.

Notes

  • I like to place the loaf pan on a baking sheet in the oven, just in case any grease or sauce bubbles over the loaf pan while baking.
  • Don’t have a loaf pan? No worries, you can free form the meatloaf into a loaf shape and cook it on a rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, or in a baking dish.
  • If serving the meatloaf with pasta on the side, be sure to boil the water and cook the pasta during the last 15 minutes of baking the meatloaf.
  • To make this recipe gluten free, simply substitute gluten free breadcrumbs for the traditional breadcrumbs. Serve the meatloaf with gluten free spaghetti, zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash or mashed potatoes.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts

Serving 4servingCalories 808kcal (40%)Carbohydrates 15g (5%)Protein 45g (90%)Fat 63g (97%)Saturated Fat 23g (115%)Polyunsaturated Fat 5gMonounsaturated Fat 28gTrans Fat 2gCholesterol 182mg (61%)Sodium 1271mg (53%)Potassium 928mg (27%)Fiber 3g (12%)Sugar 5g (6%)Vitamin A 1163mg (23%)Vitamin C 31mg (38%)Calcium 240mg (24%)Iron 6mg (33%)
Did you make this recipe?Tag @WhitneyBond on Instagram and hashtag it #WBRecipes!

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