Delicious Meatloaf Parmesan Recipe
Welcome, my dear culinary adventurers, to a recipe that will make your taste buds sing with joy! I’m here to introduce you to an unforgettable dish that will satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling fulfilled. Say hello to the Meatloaf Parmesan Recipe!
Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that warms the heart and fills the stomach. However, this recipe takes things up a notch by combining savory ground beef with zesty Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. When baked to perfection, this meatloaf is topped with gooey melted mozzarella cheese that will make you drool.
Why settle for regular meatloaf when you can have the Meatloaf Parmesan Recipe instead? With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can make a dish that will impress everyone at the dinner table.
So come on, let’s take a culinary journey that will tantalize your senses and bring joy to your belly. Let’s make some Meatloaf Parmesan!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, culinary adventurers! I’m about to introduce you to a recipe that will make your taste buds sing and your stomachs happy. Are you ready to learn about the Meatloaf Parmesan recipe? Trust me, once you try it, you will never go back to your old meatloaf recipe again.
First of all, this meatloaf is loaded with flavor. The combination of ground beef, eggs, onion, and parmesan cheese creates a heavenly taste that you won’t be able to resist. Not to mention the fact that it’s topped with mozzarella cheese and more parmesan cheese – this dish is a cheese-lover’s dream come true.
But this isn’t just any ordinary meatloaf – it’s tender and juicy thanks to the use of lean ground beef. Plus, the addition of bread crumbs adds just the right amount of texture without making this dish heavy or dry.
And if you’re looking for a nutritious meal option, this recipe has got you covered. Lean ground beef is a high-protein source that keeps you feeling full for hours. And by using crushed tortilla chips instead of traditional bread crumbs, you’re also adding a bit of fiber to your meal.
But let’s face it – one of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can switch up some of the ingredients to fit your dietary needs or preferences. Don’t eat beef? No problem – swap it out for ground turkey or chicken. Looking for a lower carb option? Skip the bread crumbs altogether and use almond flour instead.
So what are you waiting for? Try out this Meatloaf Parmesan recipe and see for yourself why it’s quickly becoming a household favorite. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Ingredient List
Here’s a list of ingredients you need for making the meatloaf parmesan recipe:
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- Salt and pepper
- 3 cups marinara sauce, divided
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves, for garnish.
Note that you can also use ground turkey instead of beef for a lower fat content. If you have any other substitutions such as crushed tortilla chips instead of bread crumbs or chicken instead of beef, do keep track of the amounts and adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, let’s get started with the recipe!
Step 1: Mixing the Meat
In a large mixing bowl combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, basil and salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until combined.
Step 2: Adding the Cheese
Next, add in 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of marinara sauce to the meat mixture. Once again, mix everything together to incorporate all ingredients smoothly.
Step 3: Prepping and Baking
Take a greased loaf pan and spread half of the meat mixture inside. Drop a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over meat evenly, press down gently. Top it up with the remaining half of meat mixture.
Bake in the preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour or until cooked enough through. Make sure to check for doneness by using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part – it should read around 160 to 165°F once finished baking.
Step 4: Final Touch
Take out the loaf pan from oven, brush and spread marinara sauce on top and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese over the top of it.Place it back in oven for additional few minutes (around 5~6 minutes) at bake until melted.
Let it cool down for a few minutes before transferring onto a serving dish or cutting board. Cut into slices before serving.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Meatloaf Parmesan hot and sizzling!
Stay tuned for my next recipe!
Substitutions and Variations
Let’s face it, sometimes you just don’t have all the ingredients on hand or you want to mix things up a bit. Fear not, culinary explorer, as I am here with some substitution and variation options for this delicious Meatloaf Parmesan recipe.
For those who are looking for a healthier option, try swapping out the lean ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Not only will this be a great source of high protein, but it will also be a lighter and healthier option that is still packed full of flavor.
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, why not try a stuffed version of this dish? Similar to a chicken parm, stuff the meat mixture with mozzarella cheese and top with tomato sauce and grated parmesan. This takes the traditional Meatloaf Parmesan recipe to a whole new level.
For those who are gluten-free, try using crushed tortilla chips instead of bread crumbs. This substitution adds a slightly different texture to the meat mixture, and they are also naturally gluten-free.
If you’re looking to add some more flavor to your meatloaf, try adding in some finely minced garlic or finely diced onion into the meat mixture. This will give an extra boost of flavor that complements the parmesan cheese and fresh parsley perfectly.
Overall, there are endless possibilities when it comes to substitutions and variations for this Meatloaf Parmesan recipe. So go ahead and experiment with some of these options or come up with your own unique twist on this classic dish. As a culinary explorer, there’s no limit to what you can create in the kitchen!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your Parmsesan Meatloaf is all cooked up, it’s time to serve it and pair it with some delicious sides. This dish is very versatile and can be easily paired with various sides, sauces or vegetables. The bold, flavorful meatloaf has a cheesy taste that perfectly complements the pasta dishes or sautéed vegetables.
One of my favorite ways to serve Parmesan Meatloaf is with a side of garlic mashed potatoes – the creaminess of the mashed potatoes mixes well with the succulent, cheesy meatloaf. Salad lovers can pair it with a fresh Caesar salad to balance out the richness of the dish. For those who enjoy lighter fare, steamed broccoli or green beans make for a delicious and healthy pairing.
For a classic Italian-style meal, serve your Parmesan Meatloaf alongside some spaghetti with tomato sauce, topped with grated parmesan cheese. If you’re feeling adventurous, switch up your usual routine and stuff the meatloaf inside some portobello mushrooms for a unique twist on stuffed chicken Parmesan.
And don’t forget to wash it all down with a full-bodied red wine or even an ice-cold beer – just about any drink will complement this mouth-watering dish perfectly.
Whether you want to keep it light or indulge in all of its cheesy goodness, this meatloaf parmesan recipe is sure to steal the show at any mealtime.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
The Meatloaf Parmesan recipe is perfect for make-ahead options, and it can be stored and reheated easily. Here are my tips for preparing this dish ahead of time.
To make ahead: Prepare the meat mixture according to the recipe instructions but do not bake it. Instead, wrap the uncooked meat mixture tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
To store: If you have leftover meatloaf, allow it to cool completely at room temperature before wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place it in an airtight container and store it in your refrigerator for up to three days.
To reheat: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Remove the plastic wrap or aluminum foil from the leftover meatloaf and place it into an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and bake for about 20 to 30 minutes or until heated through. If you prefer a crispier topping, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking time.
If you’re using the make-ahead option, remove the meat mixture from your fridge about 30 minutes before baking to bring it closer to room temperature. Then, follow the recipe’s baking instructions as is.
Additionally, cooked meatloaf can also be frozen for up to three months if stored properly in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen Meatloaf Parmesan, thaw it overnight in your refrigerator before reheating as directed above.
By following these steps, you can enjoy a quick and delicious meal without compromising taste or quality even when you’re short on time!
Tips for Perfect Results
To make your Meatloaf Parmesan stand out from others, keep in mind these essential tips to get a perfect result.
First and foremost, use lean ground beef or ground turkey. The fat content of the meat is substantial as it binds the meatloaf together, so choose slowly when selecting the meat. Using beef or turkey with fat contents between 1-2% will provide a healthier and moist entrée.
Next, mix the ingredients in gently but ensure that everything is well combined. Make sure to measure everything precisely while mixing. It ensures even distribution of all ingredients in the meat mixture, resulting in an evenly cooked meatloaf with a balanced flavor.
Adding extra moisture to your recipe for Meatloaf Parmesan can prevent dryness – this can be done by adding onions or fresh parsley. Adding some finely chopped onions will give your dish a burst of flavor and add juiciness to your meatloaf. Fresh parsley also offers a flavorful addition while providing some vibrant green color that looks good on a plate.
When shaping the meat mixture into the loaf, try not to compress it too much; this could lead to a dense meatloaf. Instead, use gentle hands and let the mixture hold its shape naturally.
Another significant aspect is topping your Meatloaf Parmesan with mozzarella cheese – this gives it that classic Italian feel. You may sprinkle some freshly grated parmesan cheese on top before serving for an extra oomph of flavor!
Finally, testing for doneness is crucial. An overcooked Meatloaf Parmesan will be dry and solid rather than juicy and moist. Check for doneness by inserting a thermometer into the center of the loaf; once it reaches 160°F (70°C), take it out from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
By following these tips, you can ensure moist, tender and flavorful Meatloaf Parmesan every time!
FAQ
Now that you have mastered the art of making a delicious Meatloaf Parmesan, let’s move to the frequently asked questions section where I will answer all your queries and concerns related to the recipe. These FAQs will answer any lingering doubts you may have had about ingredients, reheating, storing, and variations of this recipe. So, let’s delve into the FAQ section together and clear any reservations that you may have about this recipe.
What is the secret to moist meatloaf?
When preparing meat dishes, it is essential to keep them moist throughout the cooking process. To achieve this, incorporating wet seasonings like eggs, ketchup, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, barbecue sauce or a blend of them can work wonders. These seasonings not only enhance the overall flavor and texture but also help in retaining the moisture in the meat, making it incredibly succulent. Being meticulous about adding moisture at every step can make a significant difference in the outcome of the dish.
What ingredient keeps meatloaf from falling apart?
When making meatloaf, it’s essential to add the right amount of binding agents such as breadcrumbs and eggs. These components are critical in holding the meat together and preventing it from crumbling during the cooking process. Without adequate binding, your meatloaf may fall apart, ruining all your hard work.
Why do some people put milk in meatloaf?
Including milk in a meatloaf recipe can alleviate dryness since it assists in saturating the bread crumbs. In the event that milk is not desirable, there are other liquids that can be used in its place such as low sodium beef or chicken stock, non-dairy milk substitutes, or even water.
What is the best filler for meatloaf?
There’s no need to stress over a single meatloaf ingredient when there are plenty of pantry staples that make amazing fillers. Whether it’s breadcrumbs, oatmeal, cracker crumbs, or even crushed tortilla chips, they all do the job. In fact, my own mother uses crushed tortilla chips and southwestern seasoning to create a delicious meatloaf using ground turkey. So, don’t feel like you have to follow a strict recipe – sometimes the best meals come from using what you have on hand.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Meatloaf Parmesan recipe is one that should definitely find its way into your recipe collection. It’s simple yet packed with flavor, and its versatility means you can serve it for almost any occasion. With some basic ingredients like lean ground beef, eggs, bread crumbs, and parmesan cheese, plus a few additional seasoning and cheese-based ingredients, you too can cook up your own version of this classic dish at home.
Overall, this Meatloaf Parmesan recipe will not disappoint! It’s hearty, deliciously savory and easy to make. With its flavorful blend of spices and parmesan cheese, each bite is packed with irresistible flavor that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try! Trust me, your taste buds and loved ones will thank you for it. So go ahead and put on your apron, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F, and get ready to enjoy some amazing meatloaf Parmesan!
Meatloaf Parmesan Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup pizza sauce, divided
- 1 small onion, grated (1/3 cup)
- 1/3 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F; line jelly roll pan with foil; coat with cooking spray.
- In bowl, mix beef, eggs, 1/2 cup pizza sauce, onion, breadcrumbs, Parmesan and parsley.
- Place mixture on pan; shape into 8x4 inch loaf.
- Bake until meat thermometer inserted into center registers 160 degrees F, about 55 minutes.
- Spread remaining pizza sauce over meatloaf; sprinkle with mozzarella.
- Bake until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.
- Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
- If desired, serve with pasta and garnish with parsley sprigs.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.