Bake: Bake for 45 minutes.
Add the Topping: Carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven. Spread the remaining ½ cup of marinara sauce over the top and sides. Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella and the final 2 tablespoons of Parmesan.
Finish Baking: Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) when read with a meat thermometer.
Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest on the baking sheet for at least 10-15 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring it stays together when sliced. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Recipe Notes
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Cooking Vessel: Baking on a sheet pan, rather than a loaf pan, allows the heat to circulate around the entire loaf, giving you delicious caramelized edges.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients just until they come together. Overworking the meat will result in a tough, dense meatloaf.
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Resting is Crucial: Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing is the secret to clean, non-crumbling slices.
Variations
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Italian Turkey Meatloaf: Substitute ground turkey for the beef. Reduce baking time slightly and check for doneness early to prevent dryness.
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Spinach & Ricotta: Add 1 cup of chopped, sautéed spinach to the meat mixture and dollop ½ cup of ricotta cheese into the center instead of mozzarella.
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Spicy Italian: Add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or chop up some pepperoni to mix in.
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Vegetable-Packed: Grate one carrot and one zucchini, squeeze out the excess moisture with a paper towel, and add them to the meat mixture.
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Pesto Swirl: Swirl 2 tablespoons of basil pesto into the topping before baking for an extra layer of fresh herb flavor.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with spaghetti or your favorite pasta tossed in extra marinara.
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Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or soft polenta.
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Accompany with simple roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
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Use leftovers to make an incredible meatloaf sandwich on toasted garlic bread with extra melted mozzarella.
