Description
This Ultimate Italian Meatloaf is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines ground beef with Italian cheeses, fresh spinach, and savory ham, rolled into a perfect loaf and baked to perfection. Topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, it’s a comforting and delicious meal perfect for any dinner occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 3 cloves chopped garlic
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups Romano cheese
- 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
Filling and Topping
- 10 slices mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 pound hot ham
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is ready when your meatloaf is prepared.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the ground beef, chopped garlic, eggs, Romano cheese, and Italian bread crumbs until well combined to form the meatloaf base.
- Shape Meat Mixture: Lay a piece of parchment paper on your work surface and spread the meat mixture evenly on it, flattening into a large square for layering.
- Add Ham Layer: Place a layer of hot ham slices evenly over the flattened meat mixture to add a smoky, savory flavor.
- Add Spinach Layer: Spread 2 cups of fresh, uncooked spinach over the ham, adding a fresh and nutritious component.
- Add Mozzarella Layer: Top the spinach with slices of mozzarella cheese, which will melt and add creamy texture.
- Roll Meatloaf: Using the parchment paper, carefully roll the meat mixture into a tight loaf, sealing the edges to encase the filling completely.
- Place in Baking Dish: Transfer the rolled meatloaf into a large baking dish, ensuring it sits evenly for uniform cooking.
- Bake First Stage: Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, allowing the meat to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread 1 cup of marinara sauce over the top, then add additional mozzarella slices for a cheesy topping.
- Bake Second Stage: Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, let rest briefly, then slice and serve warm for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use fresh Italian bread crumbs for best texture and flavor.
- Feel free to substitute hot ham with prosciutto or another cured meat for variation.
- Make sure to seal the meatloaf edges well to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes after baking before slicing to retain juices.
- This meatloaf freezes well – prepare in advance and freeze before the first bake stage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/8 of the meatloaf)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
Keywords: Italian meatloaf, baked meatloaf, ground beef recipe, Italian dinner, mozzarella meatloaf, spinach meatloaf
