Italian Meatloaf

This Italian-inspired meatloaf recipe is the perfect blend of hearty comfort and savory Italian flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more. Serve slices of this Italian meatloaf with your favorite sides, like creamy mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad. You could also lean into the Italian flavor profile by serving it with tomato sauce. The blend of Italian herbs infuses the meatloaf with an irresistible taste that will transport your senses to the heart of Italy.

Italian Meatloaf Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs. ground beef
• 1/2 lb. ground pork
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup roasted red peppers, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp. dried basil
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Italian Meatloaf Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease your baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients and mix well until fully incorporated.
3. Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the greased baking pan.
4. Bake for about 50 to 60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
5. Once cooked, let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Is Meatloaf a Southern Dish?

Meatloaf is a flavorful comfort food long enjoyed across the United States, including in the South. But is meatloaf a Southern dish? While it is sometimes associated with Southern cuisine, the truth is that its origins are actually much farther away.

Meatloaf in America can be traced back to scrapple, a dish created by German immigrants in colonial Pennsylvania. These immigrants brought the idea of making a cooked mixture of ground meat and spices from Europe, where the ancestor of meatloaf was born. Over time, these recipes evolved into what is now known as meatloaf.

In the Southern United States, meatloaf became common fare around dinner tables, and its affordability and adaptability made it a staple during tough times. But attributing meatloaf solely to Southern cuisine ignores its widespread popularity. While Southern meatloaf might have flavors associated with the region, like barbecue sauce, variations exist throughout the country and the world.

Is Meatloaf Better on a Sheet Pan or Loaf Pan?

To get the tastiest meatloaf, you ultimately have to ask the question: Is meatloaf better on a sheet pan or a loaf pan? While both are great options for cooking your meatloaf, each has its own advantages and you will get slightly different results.

Sheet pans have more surface area which exposes more of the dish’s surface area to the oven’s direct heat to create a crunchier crust that’s nicely browned.

Loaf pans corral the juices and fat to create a moister, more steamed, texture. The steamed texture can often be more reminiscent of a school cafeteria meatloaf, which some people are averse to, but it will look more like a typical meatloaf when it’s cooked this way as meatloaf in a sheet pan tends to be flatter.

This doesn’t mean that one option is better than another, it depends solely on personal preference and taste. If you’ve found that you don’t typically like meatloaf made in a loaf pan, you may find that trying it in a sheet pan may be a better option for you and vice versa!

How Long Will Meatloaf Last In The Refrigerator?

Meatloaf is an excellent option for a family meal because of how simple it is to make a large amount in a short amount of time. This might also mean you will likely have leftovers. While it is great that you can reuse the meatloaf for multiple meals, it is essential to know how long you have to eat it all. So, how long will meatloaf last in the refrigerator?

Meatloaf generally stays good for about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, but only when properly stored. To make sure your meatloaf is stored correctly, follow these tips:

• Don’t wait too long to put the meatloaf in the refrigerator: Your leftover meatloaf should be placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
• Make sure your refrigerator is cool enough: Set your refrigerator temperature at or below 40°F. Doing so will slow the growth of harmful bacteria, preserving the meatloaf’s quality.
• Label Your Meatloaf: Mark the container with the date you cooked the meatloaf, so you can easily keep track of its freshness.

If you don’t think you will eat your meatloaf within 3-4 days, consider freezing it for prolonged storage. You can freeze meatloaf for several months without it spoiling.

How to Tell if Your Meatloaf Has Gone Bad

If you’re concerned your meatloaf might have gone bad in the refrigerator, these are the signs to check for:

Off Odors: An unusual or sour smell likely means the meatloaf has gone bad.

Odd Texture: Discoloration, sliminess, or an altered texture indicates the meatloaf has spoiled.

Unpleasant Taste: An off-taste is a strong sign of spoilage.

Do You Cover Meatloaf While Cooking It?

You can choose to cover your meatloaf if you want to, but I don’t recommend it. When anyone asks, “Do you cover meatloaf while cooking it?” I always reply that if you cover it, you’ll be steaming it, not baking it. Covering meatloaf while it cooks means that it cooks in its own juices, which can give you a texture kind of like a cafeteria-style meatloaf. If you like that kind of loaf, more power to you, but many people don’t.

Keeping your meatloaf uncovered allows it to fully bake it and get that crispy brown exterior that most people want on their meatloaf. Don’t worry about your meatloaf drying out, as the fat content of the meat is usually enough to keep it moist as it cooks. Of course, if you’re at all worried about that, you could always wrap your meatloaf in bacon before you cook it, which adds moisture as well as delicious smoky flavor.

Do You Cook Meatloaf At 350 Or 400?

Oven temperature plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, juiciness, and texture in meatloaf. While some prefer how their meatloaf turns out at 350°F, others enjoy the results they get from a higher temp. So, do you cook meatloaf at 350 or 400?

Cooking Meatloaf at 350°F

Cooking your meatloaf at 350°F creates a tender and moist result. This lower temperature allows the meat to cook gradually, preserving its natural juices and flavors. It offers a more forgiving cooking process as it reduces the risk of overcooking and drying out the meatloaf.

Cooking Meatloaf at 400°F

Cooking meatloaf at 400°F can drastically change how it turns out. The higher temperature results in caramelization on the exterior, creating a flavorful crust that locks in the natural juices. This method is ideal for those seeking a slightly firmer texture and a more intense depth of flavor. However, it requires you to pay closer attention throughout its cooking as it is more likely to dry out.

Which Temperature is Better?

The choice between 350°F and 400°F depends on your preferences and cooking style. If you crave a classic, melt-in-your-mouth meatloaf, 350°F is the better option. For a meatloaf with a crispy crust and slightly firmer texture, 400°F is the temperature you’ll want to use. Whichever you choose, remember to use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatloaf reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F.

Do You Cook Meatloaf At 350 Or 375?

When it comes to preparing the perfect meatloaf, one question frequently pops up – do you cook meatloaf at 350 or 375? It’s an understandable question, as achieving the ideal cooking temperature can make all the difference between a mouthwatering masterpiece and a dry, lackluster dish. The truth is, both are viable temperatures. However, which one you choose will change the result of your meatloaf.

350°F: Slow and Steady

Cooking meatloaf at 350°F is considered the classic option. This temperature allows the meat to cook gradually, rendering the fat and infusing the flavors throughout. The slower cooking process also ensures that the internal temperature of the meatloaf rises evenly, resulting in a moist and tender texture.

375°F: Crispy and Speedy

Opting for 375°F will give your meatloaf a slightly different outcome. The higher temperature promotes a quicker cooking time, leading to a slightly firmer exterior and caramelization. While the meatloaf might cook faster, there’s a chance of moisture loss, potentially resulting in a drier end product.

Which is the Better Choice?

Ultimately, the choice between 350°F and 375°F depends on your desired outcome and cooking preferences. If you crave a melt-in-your-mouth texture and are willing to exercise patience, 350°F is your go-to temperature. On the other hand, if you’re aiming for a more noticeable crust and some caramelization, 375°F might be your better option.

Country-Style Meatloaf

You’ll find a variety of recipes for country-style meatloaf out there, but what a lot of them have in common is that they swap the traditional breadcrumbs for either fresh bread or flour, then add vegetables of some kind. One of the most common versions of country-style meatloaf uses flour instead of breadcrumbs, then adds sautéed carrots, onions, and celery. The most common meat for a country-style meatloaf is a blend of ground beef and ground pork rather than just beef. Often, you’ll also see a country-style meatloaf baked as a free-form loaf on a sheet pan rather than in a loaf pan. Some recipes also swap out the ketchup in the loaf for soy sauce. Otherwise, you’ll find that the recipe for a country-style meatloaf is much like a classic meatloaf recipe: You’ll bake them at the same temperature for about the same amount of time, and you’ll know when your loaf is done when its internal temperature hits 160°F.

Can You Substitute Bread Crumbs in Meatloaf?

As bread crumbs are one of the primary ingredients in Meatloaf, those with certain food restrictions often can’t enjoy this beloved comfort food. But that doesn’t have to be the case. There are breadcrumb substitutes you can use in your next meatloaf to make it a great meal for anyone and everyone.

What Can You Substitute Bread Crumbs in Meatloaf With?

1. Rolled Oats: When it comes to breadcrumb substitutes, rolled oats are one of the leading contenders. You can use a food processor to achieve a breadcrumb-like consistency that binds your meatloaf ingredients splendidly. The oats, equal in quantity to the bread crumbs, not only serve as an effective substitute but also provide the dish with added amounts of heartiness and nutrition.

2. Crushed Crackers: An equally viable alternative is crushed crackers. One of the best things about this bread crumb substitute is you can choose a cracker flavor that blends with your meatloaf’s flavor profile, such as plain or seasoned. By crushing these crackers to breadcrumb size, you can seamlessly swap them for traditional breadcrumbs.

3. Pretzels: Pretzels, when transformed into a crumb-like consistency using a food processor, introduce a delightful crunch and unique flavor to your meatloaf. To incorporate pretzels, replace the bread crumbs in your recipe with an equal amount of pretzel crumbs. This creative twist can add an extra layer of excitement to your dish.

4. Ground Nuts: For an added touch of texture when substituting bread crumbs, consider ground nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans as an alternative. After finely chopping, swap the bread crumbs with an equal amount of ground nuts in your recipe. The result is a meatloaf boasting even richer flavors. However, it’s essential to take allergies into account when choosing this option.