Italian Meatloaf – A Hearty, Flavorful Twist on a Classic

This Italian Meatloaf is a delicious and comforting variation on the traditional meatloaf. Combining ground beef and Italian sausage, it’s seasoned with Parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning, creating a savory, herb-filled dish. The meatloaf is baked in a rich tomato sauce and topped with melted Fontina cheese, bringing a creamy, cheesy finish to every bite. This dish is perfect for family dinners and will easily become a favorite, especially when served with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad. You can substitute the Fontina with mozzarella or use ground turkey instead of beef and sausage for a lighter option.

Ingredients:

For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  
  

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
  
  

• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  
  

• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  
  

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  
  

• 1/4 teaspoon salt
  
  

For the Meatloaf:

• 35 saltine crackers, crushed
  
  

• 3/4 cup whole milk
  
  

• 2 large eggs
  
  

• 1 pound 85% lean ground beef
  
  

• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
  
  

• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  
  

• 1/2 cup finely diced onion
  
  

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  
  

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  
  

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  
  

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
  
  

• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  
  

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  
  

• 1 cup shredded Fontina cheese (or mozzarella)
  
  

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  
  

Directions:

1. To make the sauce, heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, red pepper flakes, and salt. Simmer for 5-8 minutes. Set aside.
   
   

2. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a broiler-safe 9x13-inch baking dish.
   
   

3. Crush the saltine crackers in a large zip-top bag using a rolling pin. Stir the crushed crackers, milk, and eggs together in a large bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir again to form a paste.
   
   

4. Add ground beef, sausage, Parmesan cheese, diced onion, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to the cracker mixture. Mix gently but thoroughly.
   
   

5. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking dish, shaping it into a 9x5-inch oval. Pour the prepared sauce over the meatloaf.
   
   

6. Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour.
   
   

7. Uncover the meatloaf, sprinkle with Fontina cheese, and place under the broiler until the cheese melts and is bubbly (about 2-3 minutes).
   
   

8. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes. Slice and sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.
   
   

Nutritional Value (per serving):

• Calories: 539 kcal
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 24g
  
  

• Protein: 30g
  
  

• Fat: 36g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 14g
  
  

• Cholesterol: 146mg
  
  

• Sodium: 1403mg
  
  

• Potassium: 882mg
  
  

• Fiber: 3g
  
  

• Sugar: 8g
  
  

• Vitamin A: 732IU
  
  

• Vitamin C: 15mg
  
  

• Calcium: 250mg
  
  

• Iron: 5mg