Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce, plus extra for serving
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, Parmesan cheese, milk, and half of the marinara sauce. Mix just until blended don’t overwork the meat.
3. Shape and Fill the Loaf
Place half of the meat mixture on a baking sheet or loaf pan and shape it into the bottom half of a loaf.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly across the center, leaving a border around the edges.
Top with the remaining meat mixture and seal the edges to enclose the cheese completely.
4. Add the Topping
Spread the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the loaf.
5. Bake
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the meatloaf is fully cooked and the top is slightly browned.
6. Rest and Serve
Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with warm marinara sauce on the side.
Serving Tip: Pair with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.