There’s something timeless about a homemade meatloaf, but this Italian meatloaf with mozzarella takes it to a whole new level of flavor and comfort.

I made this on a rainy weeknight, craving something warm, savory, and nostalgic.

The blend of Italian seasoning, tender ground beef, melty mozzarella, and tangy spaghetti sauce hit the spot perfectly.

It’s a recipe that brings back memories of family dinners around the table – simple, hearty, and always satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Golden outside, juicy inside – the ultimate meatloaf texture

Packed with Italian flavor – parmesan, herbs, and garlic in every bite

No-fail method – easy to shape and bakes up beautifully

Gooey cheese topping – melty mozzarella adds a creamy finish

Weeknight-friendly – made with ingredients you already have

Versatile – serve it with pasta, salad, or crusty bread for a full meal

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Ground beef – Lean or a beef/pork mix for extra tenderness

Onion – Finely chopped for a subtle bite

Bread crumbs – Italian-style or panko, soaked with milk for softness

Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, umami kick

Eggs – Bind everything together

Italian seasoning & garlic powder – For that classic Italian aroma

Spaghetti sauce – Sweet, tangy glaze on top

Mozzarella cheese – Melty, golden topping perfection

Pro Tips Before You Start

Soak your breadcrumbs in the milk first for extra moisture in the loaf.

Don’t overmix the meat – gentle hands keep the texture tender.

Let the meatloaf rest after baking so it slices cleanly without falling apart.

How to Make Mozzarella-Topped Italian Meatloaf

Step 1. Prep the Oven & Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly spray it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2. Mix the Meatloaf

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, bread crumbs, milk, parmesan, eggs, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.

Use clean hands or a spatula to mix just until combined.

Step 3. Shape the Loaf

Spray a loaf pan with nonstick spray and press the meat mixture inside.

Flip the loaf pan over onto the foil-lined baking sheet to release the loaf.

Or, shape the mixture by hand into a loaf directly on the sheet.

Step 4. Bake the Base

Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake uncovered for 40 minutes.

Step 5. Add Sauce & Cheese

Remove from the oven and spread spaghetti sauce evenly over the top and sides.

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the top.

Step 6. Finish Baking

Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the meat is fully cooked through.

Step 7. Rest & Serve

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Serve warm with your favorite sides.

What to Serve It With

I love serving this with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted broccoli, or a crisp Caesar salad.

It’s also fantastic with warm garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce.

Variations / Substitutions

Use ground turkey for a lighter version.

Swap spaghetti sauce for marinara or pizza sauce.

Add chopped spinach or mushrooms to sneak in some veggies.

Use a cheese blend like mozzarella-provolone for more depth.

Storage & Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheat in the oven or microwave.

This meatloaf also freezes beautifully – wrap slices individually for an easy meal prep option.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well but may need an extra egg or a bit more bread crumb to hold together.

Do I need to cook the onions first?
Not for this recipe – finely chopped raw onions cook perfectly during baking.

Can I skip the cheese?
Absolutely, but the mozzarella adds a delicious finishing touch.

How do I know when it’s done?
Use a meat thermometer – internal temp should reach 160°F.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just divide it into two loaves and increase baking time slightly.

What kind of sauce works best?
Any tomato-based spaghetti or marinara sauce will be great. Go with your favorite brand or homemade!

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes – prep the loaf and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance before baking.

Final Thoughts

This Italian meatloaf with mozzarella is everything I crave in a comfort dish – savory, saucy, cheesy, and incredibly easy.

It’s the kind of recipe that becomes part of your regular dinner rotation because it delivers every time.

Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even serving guests.

Slice it thick, serve it warm, and enjoy the cozy flavors of a beloved classic with a delicious twist.

The Boat Shed Kitchen