Italian Meat Loaf

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Easy to prepare with pantry ingredients, Italian Meatloaf is super moist and flavorful and the leftovers make great sandwiches the next day. The basics of many Italian dishes - basil, tomatoes, garlic, roasted red pepper, Parmesan cheese - are added to basic meatloaf ingredients and the result is comfort food at its best!

Prep Time15

Cook Time1

Total Time1 15

Course: Main dish

Cuisine: Main course

Keyword: Italian Meat Loaf

Servings: to 8 servings

Calories: 466kcal

Author: Lee Clayton Roper

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 large leek cleaned and chopped (white and light green parts only)
1/2 large orange bell pepper seeded and chopped (can also use green or yellow pepper)
2 teaspoons chopped garlic
2 teaspoons dried basil or 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 cup diced canned tomatoes drained
1/4 cup chopped roasted red peppers from a jar
3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup whole milk if using ground bison
2 large eggs beaten
1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds ground beef or bison
Kosher salt
Fresh ground pepper
1 cup tomato sauce

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the leek, bell pepper, garlic and basil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft.
Remove from heat and stir in diced tomatoes and roasted red peppers.
Place mixture in a large mixing bowl and stir in breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk (if using) and eggs. Add ground beef (or bison) and mix well, using your hands. Season with salt and fresh ground pepper.
Place in a 5 by 8-inch loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes.
Spoon tomato sauce over the top and continue baking for another 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Make ahead: Meatloaf can be prepared but not baked earlier in the day, covered and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before baking.

Nutrition