Introduction: Satisfy your craving for a hearty and flavorful meal with this delectable Parmesan meatloaf recipe. Packed with savory ingredients like ground beef, herbs, and aromatic spices, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and comfort to your dining table. Follow these simple steps to create a meatloaf that's not only delicious but also easy to make.
Parmesan Meatloaf: What You Need
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1-2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup homemade meatless tomato sauce (for pasta)
- 1/2 cup shredded Italian cheese blend
How to Make Parmesan Meatloaf
1. Preparing the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Lightly grease a loaf pan (a glass bread loaf pan works well) with cooking spray and set it aside.
2. Mixing the Meatloaf:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, dried basil, dried thyme, dried oregano, chopped garlic, chopped onion, salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix gently to avoid overworking the mixture, which can make the meatloaf tough.
3. Shaping and Topping:
- Transfer the meatloaf mixture into the greased loaf pan and shape it into a loaf shape.
- Spread a layer of homemade meatless tomato sauce on top of the meatloaf.
4. Baking the Meatloaf:
- Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
5. Draining and Cheesy Finish:
- After baking for 1 hour, remove the meatloaf from the oven and drain any excess grease.
- Sprinkle the shredded Italian cheese blend evenly over the meatloaf.
6. Melting the Cheese:
- Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Resting and Serving:
- Once fully cooked and the cheese is melted to perfection, remove the meatloaf from the oven.
- Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into it.
Conclusion: This Parmesan meatloaf is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food favorite. With its robust flavors, melty cheese topping, and easy preparation, it's the perfect dish for a cozy family dinner or a satisfying weeknight meal. Enjoy the hearty goodness and rich taste of this savory meatloaf, and savor every bite!
