Looking for a comforting, hearty dish that’s both easy to prepare and packed with flavor?

This Italian meatloaf is just what you need!

Save This Recipe!

Enter your email and we’ll send you this recipe so you can come back to it later! 😊

Name

Email

SAVE THIS RECIPE

Combining tender minced beef, savory pancetta, and a touch of Parmesan cheese, this recipe brings a delicious twist to the classic meatloaf.

Perfect for beginners and a great way to impress your family or guests, this meatloaf is baked to perfection with a golden, crunchy topping and pairs wonderfully with your favorite sides.

Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• 50g fresh white breadcrumbs
• 4 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 500g lean minced beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 100g pancetta, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon tomato purée
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

Step 1:Preheat the Oven

• Set your oven to 190°C (170°C if using a fan oven) or Gas Mark 5.
• Line the base and long sides of a 2lb loaf tin with two layers of baking parchment.
• This will make it easier to lift out the meatloaf later.

Step 2:Prepare the Topping

• In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese together.
• Set this mixture aside; it will be used for the crunchy topping.

Step 3:Make the Meatloaf Mixture

• In a large bowl, combine the remaining breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced beef, chopped onion, pancetta, garlic, beaten egg, and tomato purée.
• Season well with salt and pepper.
• Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly.

Step 4:Shape the Meatloaf

• Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf tin, pressing it down firmly to make sure there are no air pockets.
• Evenly sprinkle the crumb mixture over the top for a crunchy finish.

Step 5:Bake the Meatloaf

• Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy.
• If it isn’t quite golden enough, place it under a hot grill for an extra 5 minutes to brown the top.

Step 6:Cool and Serve

• Let the meatloaf cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then carefully lift it out using the parchment.

FAQs

Can I use a substitute for pancetta?

Yes, you can use diced bacon or even smoked ham as a substitute for pancetta if it’s not readily available. For a vegetarian option, consider using finely chopped mushrooms.

How can I tell if the meatloaf is fully cooked?

The meatloaf is done when the internal temperature reaches 70°C (160°F). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Alternatively, you can check that the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink in the center.

Quick & Easy Italian Meatloaf

This easy Italian meatloaf recipe combines lean minced beef, pancetta, and Parmesan cheese, baked to a golden, crunchy perfection and served with your favorite sides.

Print Pin Rate

Cuisine: Italian

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour

Servings: 5

Ingredients

• ▢ 50 g fresh white breadcrumbs
• ▢ 4 tbsp finely grated Parmesan cheese
• ▢ 500 g lean minced beef
• ▢ 1 whole onion finely chopped
• ▢ 100 g pancetta chopped
• ▢ 1 garlic clove minced
• ▢ 1 egg beaten
• ▢ 1 tsp tomato purée
• ▢ salt and pepper

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

1. Set your oven to 190°C (170°C if using a fan oven) or Gas Mark 5.

   Line the base and long sides of a 2lb loaf tin with two layers of baking parchment.

   This will make it easier to lift out the meatloaf later.

Prepare the Topping

1. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese together.

   Set this mixture aside; it will be used for the crunchy topping.

Shape the Meatloaf

1. Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf tin, pressing it down firmly to make sure there are no air pockets.

   Evenly sprinkle the crumb mixture over the top for a crunchy finish.

Bake the Meatloaf

1. Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy.

   If it isn't quite golden enough, place it under a hot grill for an extra 5 minutes to brown the top.

Cool and Serve

1. Let the meatloaf cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then carefully lift it out using the parchment.

   Slice and serve with your favorite side dishes like roasted potatoes and green beans.

More Recipes You'll Love

Easy Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Simple Tzatziki

Simple Uttapam