{"id":156256,"date":"2025-03-25T19:10:12","date_gmt":"2025-03-25T19:10:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/recipes\/category-a-b\/baking-category-a-b\/italian-meatloaf-the-country-cook\/"},"modified":"2025-03-25T19:10:12","modified_gmt":"2025-03-25T19:10:12","slug":"italian-meatloaf-the-country-cook","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=156256","title":{"rendered":"Italian Meatloaf – The Country Cook"},"content":{"rendered":"


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This savory, tender Italian Meatloaf is made with ground beef, Italian herbs and spices, and is topped with marinara and mozzarella cheese!<\/em><\/p>\n

A MOIST MEATLOAF RECIPE<\/h2>\n

This Italian Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food recipe that your family will love. It\u2019s simple to make, flavorful and doesn\u2019t dry out like so many of the other meatloaf recipes out there. I always make my meatloaf with torn up bread slices instead of breadcrumbs or crackers because this helps to keep it from getting dry which we all know meatloaf is known for. This meatloaf is FAR from dry. It has so much flavor and is so moist. The Italian flavors really take it up a notch. Serve it up with a nice little salad and dinner is served!<\/p>\n

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:\u00a0<\/h2>\n
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How do I prevent my meatloaf from becoming dry?<\/strong> <\/p>\n

To keep the meatloaf moist, avoid over mixing the ingredients, which can make the texture dense. It may seem a little wet with the bread and milk but it will hold together.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

What to serve with Italian Meatloaf? <\/strong> <\/p>\n

This main dish is very versatile and pairs well with your favorite pasta with Marinara Sauce<\/a>, salad, or can be served as a stand-alone meal. Don\u2019t forget your favorite Garlic Bread<\/a> or Breadsticks<\/a>. Meatloaf always goes well with Mashed Potatoes<\/a> or some garlic egg noodles or a simple salad.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

What other cheese can I use?<\/strong> <\/p>\n

I think it would be fun to swap the shredded cheese out for a few cheese sticks. Insert three mozzarella cheese sticks into the center of the meatloaf so when you cut into it, you cna have some melted mozzarella cheese in the center.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Can I use breadcrumbs instead of torn bread? <\/strong> <\/p>\n

I prefer to use torn up bread instead of bread crumbs. I think the bread pieces keep the meatloaf moist. You could use breadcrumbs or crackers but I promise the bread will make this so much more moist. If you insist on using them, I\u2019d use \u00bd to \u00be cups in the mixture. \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Can I make this in a loaf pan instead?<\/strong> <\/p>\n

Typically, I don\u2019t make my meatloaf in a pan. I think making it my way, a lot of the grease spreads away from the meat rather than the meat cooking in the grease while it\u2019s packed in the loaf pan. If you want to make this in a loaf pan, be sure to make this in 2 pans, or just cut the recipe in half. You could also use half ground beef and half Italian Sausage. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Can you freeze this meatloaf?<\/strong> <\/p>\n

Sure. If you\u2019re making one, why not make an extra and freeze it for later? You can make a second meatloaf, or freeze cooked leftovers in a freezer safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight and then reheat in the oven until warmed in the middle.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Can I freeze unbaked meatloaf?<\/strong> <\/p>\n

Yes, once you\u2019ve assembled it, you can cover it with foil. Then place it in a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw before baking as usual.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

How long is leftover meatloaf good for?<\/strong> <\/p>\n

You can keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE)<\/h3>\n