Name: Savory Italian Meatloaf with Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds ground beef; ¾ cup breadcrumbs; ½ cup milk; 2 eggs; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, diced and sautéed; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ¾ cup marinara sauce

Italian meatloaf with cheese is the kind of comfort food that makes a weeknight feel like a Sunday dinner. Juicy ground beef mixed with Italian herbs, swirled with gooey melted cheese, and baked to golden perfection — it’s hearty, flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping meals for the week, or just craving something that feels nostalgic yet elevated, this cheesy Italian meatloaf checks all the boxes. It holds together beautifully, slices like a dream, and pairs wonderfully with so many sides.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Meatloaf with Cheese

This recipe is everything you want in a meatloaf: moist on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and packed with flavor. The addition of Italian seasoning and Parmesan gives it a rich, savory depth, while the gooey cheese center adds an irresistible surprise in every bite. Plus, it’s easy enough for beginners and rewarding enough for seasoned home cooks.

What Kind of Cheese Should I Use?

Mozzarella is the go-to for its perfect melt factor and mild creaminess, but you can easily experiment. Provolone adds a deeper, slightly smoky profile, while fontina makes things even creamier. Avoid very hard or crumbly cheeses like aged Parmesan in the filling, as they won’t melt as smoothly.

Ingredients for the Savory Italian Meatloaf with Cheese

A well-balanced meatloaf starts with quality ingredients. This list keeps things traditional with a few enhancements that take it to the next level.

Ground beef: The base of the meatloaf. Go for 80/20 for the best balance of flavor and moisture.
Breadcrumbs: Helps hold everything together and absorb moisture.
Milk: Softens the breadcrumbs and keeps the texture tender.
Eggs: Binds the mixture so it doesn’t fall apart.
Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor that complements the Italian herbs.
Italian seasoning: The heart of the Italian flavor profile in this meatloaf.
Garlic: Freshly minced for that punchy aroma and taste.
Onion: Diced and sautéed for a mellow, sweet base.
Mozzarella cheese: The cheesy center that melts to gooey perfection.
Marinara sauce: Poured on top for that finishing touch of saucy goodness.

How To Make the Savory Italian Meatloaf with Cheese

Step 1: Prep the Mixture

Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, beaten eggs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic, and sautéed onion. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Don’t overmix or the meatloaf could get tough.

Step 2: Shape and Fill

On a piece of parchment paper, shape half of the meat mixture into a loaf base. Create a well in the center and fill it with shredded mozzarella. Top with the remaining meat mixture and press the edges to seal the cheese inside.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the loaf to a greased baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over the top, cover loosely with foil, and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the internal temperature hits 160°F.

Step 4: Rest and Slice

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing cleaner.

How to Serve and Store This Cheesy Meatloaf

This meatloaf feeds about 6 to 8 people, making it perfect for family meals or small gatherings. Serve it hot, fresh from the oven, with a little extra marinara on the side. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to four days and reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven. You can also freeze individual slices for up to three months—just wrap them tightly in foil and store in a zip-top bag.

What to Serve With Savory Italian Meatloaf with Cheese?

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy and buttery, these pair perfectly with the rich meatloaf.

Roasted Broccoli

A bit of char and crunch to balance out the softness of the main dish.

Caesar Salad

Adds a refreshing, crisp contrast with tangy dressing and crunchy croutons.

Herb Butter Green Beans

Simple, bright, and quick to prepare—perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Baked Ziti

If you’re feeding a crowd or love double carbs, this makes the meal indulgent.

Crusty Italian Bread

To soak up all that extra marinara sauce on the plate.

Lemon Garlic Asparagus

Light and zesty, adding brightness to every bite.

Sautéed Spinach with Garlic

Earthy, rich, and packed with nutrients to round out the plate.

Want More Comfort Food Dinner Ideas?

If this cheesy Italian meatloaf hit the spot, you might fall in love with these comforting favorites too:

Try the Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini for a Tex-Mex twist on pasta night.
The Cajun Potato Soup brings hearty, spicy warmth to colder evenings.
Looking for the perfect side? The Mom’s Signature Macaroni Salad is great for potlucks and BBQs.
And don’t miss out on the ultra-comforting Creamy Chicken and Broccoli.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And when you do try it, I’d love to know how it turned out for you. Did you stick with mozzarella or try something bolder like provolone? Maybe even toss in some fresh herbs or a spicy marinara?

Find even more cozy, hearty, and feel-good meals like this on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest

Conclusion

Savory Italian Meatloaf with Cheese is the perfect blend of classic comfort and modern flair. It’s satisfying, melty, and packed with flavor in every bite. Whether it’s a busy Tuesday night or a relaxed Sunday dinner, this dish will quickly earn a spot in your rotation. Happy cooking!