Italian-style beef and tomato meatloaf

Discover the delicious blend of flavors in this Italian-style beef and tomato meatloaf recipe. Made with juicy ground beef, fresh basil, pine nuts, and cherry tomatoes, this savory dish is topped with a rich pasta sauce for a hearty, satisfying meal. Perfect for any weeknight dinner!

19 Apr 2025
Cook time 50 min
Prep time 15 min

Ingredients:

18 oz ground beef (80/20%)
1 egg
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/3 cup pine nuts
1 onion
1/2 cup basil leaves
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 cup mushrooms
1 cup pasta sauce
2 garlic cloves
Italian-style beef and tomato meatloaf

Experience a delightful twist on a classic comfort food with this Italian-style beef and tomato meatloaf. This recipe combines rich ground beef with fresh basil, pine nuts, and a savory pasta sauce, creating a flavorful and moist meatloaf that is sure to become a family favorite. The addition of juicy cherry tomatoes and mushrooms adds depth and an authentic Italian touch. Perfect for dinner parties or a cozy family meal, this meatloaf is both hearty and satisfying.

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Vegetables:
- Finely chop the onion.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Slice the mushrooms.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Chop the basil leaves.
3. Toast Pine Nuts:
In a small pan over medium heat, lightly toast the pine nuts until they are golden brown and fragrant. This will take about 2-3 minutes. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning. Set aside to cool.
4. Mix Meatloaf Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, toasted pine nuts, chopped onion, garlic, and basil. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands or a large spoon to blend the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
5. Shape Meatloaf:
Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Press it down firmly and shape it evenly.
6. Add Topping:
Evenly distribute the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced mushrooms over the top of the meatloaf.
7. Bake:
Pour the pasta sauce over the top of the meatloaf, ensuring it covers the tomatoes and mushrooms. Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
8. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This will help the meatloaf hold together when cut.
9. Slice and Enjoy:
Serve slices of the Italian-style beef and tomato meatloaf with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, salad, or steamed vegetables.

Tips:

- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure the meatloaf cooks evenly.

- Finely chop the onion and garlic to ensure they distribute evenly throughout the meatloaf, providing consistent flavor in every bite.

- Lightly toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat before adding them to the mixture to enhance their nutty flavor.

- Use fresh basil leaves for the best flavor; if using dried basil, use about 1.5 teaspoons instead.

- Mix the ingredients gently to avoid overworking the ground beef, which can lead to a dense meatloaf.

- Place the meatloaf mixture on a lined baking sheet or in a loaf pan for easy removal and cleanup.

- Allow the meatloaf to rest for about 10 minutes after baking to let the juices redistribute and make slicing easier.

- Serve your meatloaf with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad to complete the meal.

This Italian-style beef and tomato meatloaf is a delectable fusion of classic meatloaf and vibrant Italian flavors. Easy to prepare yet impressive in taste, it makes for a perfect family meal or a dish to impress guests. The combination of tender beef, aromatic basil, and rich pasta sauce creates a moist and flavorful meatloaf that pairs wonderfully with a side of your favorite veggies or mashed potatoes. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this Italian-inspired dish.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 550kcal
Protein 30g
Carbohydrates 22g
Fiber 3.96g
Sugar 9g
Fat 36g

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