Easy Made Italian Meatloaf

This outstanding EASY MADE ITALIAN MEATLOAF recipe is sure to please the entire family, and the leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any!) are amazing!

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1/2 lb. ground mild Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (I used orange, it was all I had in the freezer)
• 1 tsp. olive oil
• 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp. oregano
• 1/2 tsp. basil
• 1/2 tsp. parsley
• 1 egg, beaten
• 3/4 cup Italian bread crumbs
• 2 slices white bread, crumbled
• 1 tbsp. milk
• 8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese, reserve 3/4 cup for topping
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce, plus 1/2 - 3/4 cup more for topping

Instructions

1. In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté the onion and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes, then remove from heat.
2. In a large bowl, add the ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and bell pepper, along with all remaining ingredients, reserving 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese for topping.
3. Mix everything thoroughly using your hands until well combined.
4. Place and mold the mixture into a baking dish of your choice.
5. Spoon 1/2 to 3/4 cup of marinara sauce on top and spread it evenly.
6. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 50 minutes.
7. Remove from the oven, top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, and sprinkle a little dry basil over the top.
8. Return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink.

Note: Baking time may vary depending on the thickness of your loaf. Mine was about 2 inches thick.