Enjoy a timeless comfort food favorite with this Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Marinara Sauce! This meatloaf is rich, savory, and perfectly moist, topped with a flavorful marinara sauce that elevates every bite. It’s an excellent dish for family dinners or special gatherings, bringing homestyle warmth and satisfaction.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Marinara Sauce
Classic Meatloaf with Marinara Sauce is loved for many reasons:
- It features hearty, ground beef combined with savory seasonings for deep flavor.
- The marinara sauce topping adds a delicious, tangy contrast to the rich meat.
- It’s easy to prepare and bake in one pan, making dinner simple.
- The dish serves well as leftovers, tasting even better the next day.
- It pairs perfectly with classic sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for topping)
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, parsley, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix well until combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan and shape into a loaf.
- Spread marinara sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle with mozzarella if using.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Marinara Sauce
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Marinara Sauce offers a moist, flavorful loaf topped with a tangy homemade marinara, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for topping)
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, parsley, salt, pepper, and oregano until combined.
3. Form mixture into loaf shape in the pan.
4. Spread marinara sauce on top and sprinkle mozzarella if using.
5. Bake for 60-70 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For juicier meatloaf, use 80/20 ground beef.
Let meatloaf rest after baking to retain moisture.
Store leftovers wrapped tightly in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze for longer.
Reheat gently to avoid drying out the loaf.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/6th of loaf)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
How to Serve Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Marinara Sauce
Classic meatloaf with marinara sauce is a versatile dish that can be served in many comforting ways. For a traditional meal, slice the meatloaf thick and pair it with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans or broccoli.
The marinara sauce adds a pleasant tomato flavor that complements starchy sides perfectly. Alternatively, serve meatloaf slices as a hearty sandwich filler on crusty bread with lettuce and mustard or mayonnaise. The rich meat and tangy sauce also go well with roasted vegetables for a lighter, yet filling meal. To add a fresh contrast, a simple side salad or coleslaw can refresh the palate. Don’t forget to warm extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Learn more about pairing meat dishes by checking out Hamburger Steak with Onion Mushroom Gravy for additional savory inspiration. This classic meatloaf shines best when served hot, but leftovers can be repurposed creatively, making it a weeknight favorite.
How to Store Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Marinara Sauce
Storing meatloaf correctly will ensure you retain its flavor and moisture. After the meatloaf cools, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, or place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to eat, reheat in a microwave or oven until hot throughout. For longer storage, freeze the meatloaf. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or use a freezer-safe container.
Frozen meatloaf lasts up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. To keep the meatloaf moist when reheating, cover it with foil in the oven or add a splash of broth or water if microwaving. Storing leftover marinara sauce separately will help prevent the loaf from becoming soggy.
Don’t miss our tips on roasting vegetables to complement meat dishes by exploring Roasted Carrots with Maple Glaze.
Tips to Make Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Marinara Sauce
- Use a mix of ground beef with a little fat content (about 80/20) to keep the meatloaf juicy.
- Soak breadcrumbs in milk before mixing to help the meat stay moist.
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture; stir gently to combine ingredients without compacting too much.
- Allowing the meatloaf to rest after baking helps juices redistribute, making it tender.
- Customize marinara sauce by stirring in fresh herbs or a splash of balsamic for extra flavor.
- Add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms into the meat mixture for added texture and nutrition.
- Experiment with seasoning by adding Worcestershire sauce, mustard, or hot sauce for a flavor twist.
Variations of Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Marinara Sauce
The classic meatloaf recipe is very adaptable:
- Turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef for a leaner meatloaf.
- Add cheese inside the loaf for a gooey surprise or sprinkle on top in place of marinara.
- Mix in cooked bacon or ham pieces for smoky richness.
- Use BBQ sauce instead of marinara for a different tangy glaze.
- Incorporate grated vegetables such as zucchini or carrots into the meat mix to add moisture and subtle sweetness.
- For a low-carb option, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
FAQs
- Can I make meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and shape the loaf the day before, then refrigerate it covered. Add marinara sauce and bake fresh when ready. - What is the best side dish for meatloaf?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad all pair wonderfully with classic meatloaf. - Can I freeze cooked meatloaf?
Yes, cooked meatloaf freezes well for up to three months. Wrap tightly and thaw overnight before reheating. - How do I know when meatloaf is done?
Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe.
Final Thoughts
Classic Meatloaf with Marinara Sauce remains a staple for hearty, comforting meals that satisfy the whole family. Its combination of savory flavors, easy preparation, and versatility make it a dish worth mastering. paired with simple sides or reinvented in many ways, this recipe will be a go-to in your meal rotation for years.
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