If you are craving a dish that wraps every comforting flavor you love into one hearty meal, this Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine the perfect blend of ground beef and pork combined with the sharp richness of Parmesan cheese and the irresistible aroma of sautéed garlic and onions. This meatloaf is not only a satisfying dinner but also an inviting centerpiece that fills your kitchen with warmth and deliciousness, creating moments worth savoring every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet come together to craft a meatloaf bursting with flavor, texture, and balance. Every component plays an important role, from the juiciness of the meats to the creamy hint of Parmesan and the subtle zing of herbs.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides a juicy, hearty base filled with rich flavor.
- 1/2 lb ground pork: Adds moisture and tenderness, making the meatloaf perfectly succulent.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs: Acts as the binder, ensuring the meatloaf holds its shape flawlessly.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings sharp, nutty depth and a creamy texture to the mix.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a fragrant punch and enhances all the savory notes.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Sweetens and softens the overall profile, balancing richness.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Perfect for sautéing and unlocking the flavors of onion and garlic.
- 1/4 cup milk: Keeps the meatloaf tender and moist throughout the baking process.
- 1/4 cup ketchup: Adds just the right touch of tangy sweetness to bind and flavor.
- 1 egg, beaten: Acts as an additional binder to hold everything together securely.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for bringing out every taste component to life.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Gives a subtle heat and complexity without overpowering.
- 1 tsp dried parsley: Introduces fresh herbal notes that brighten the dish.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Infuses earthy warmth and Mediterranean flair.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sauté Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion until it turns translucent, roughly three minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. These steps unlock deep, aromatic flavors that will make every bite unforgettable. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly before mixing it into the meat.
Step 2: Combine the Meat and Ingredients
In a large bowl, gently blend ground beef and pork with breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, the sautéed onion and garlic, milk, ketchup, beaten egg, salt, pepper, parsley, and oregano. Take your time to mix just until everything is evenly incorporated—overmixing can lead to a dense meatloaf, and we want to keep it tender and juicy.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Meatloaf
Transfer the mixture to a greased or parchment-lined loaf pan. Shape it carefully, smoothing the top to create an even surface that bakes uniformly. Place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 160°F (71°C). This ensures it’s cooked through but remains moist and tender.
Step 4: Rest Before Slicing
After baking, let the meatloaf rest in the pan for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial—it allows the juices to redistribute, guaranteeing each slice stays juicy and doesn’t crumble apart on the plate.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley over warm slices adds an inviting pop of green and freshness that complements the hearty flavors wonderfully. For a little extra flair, a drizzle of an herbed gravy or a light tomato glaze brightens each bite beautifully.
Side Dishes
Classic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta make excellent companions, soaking up every bit of meatloaf goodness. Roasted seasonal vegetables like green beans, carrots, or Brussels sprouts add contrast with their slight crispness and natural sweetness, rounding out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, turn leftover Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe into meatloaf sliders or hearty sandwiches with melted cheese and crisp lettuce. Alternatively, thin slices can be served atop a fresh salad, offering a satisfying protein-packed meal that’s lighter but still full of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover meatloaf tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Storing it properly helps maintain moisture and flavor, so you can enjoy delicious slices even days after cooking.
Freezing
This Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers, gently reheat slices in the oven or microwave. Cover the meatloaf to prevent drying out and consider adding a splash of broth or water before heating to keep it moist and tender, as if freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use all beef or all pork instead of a mix?
Absolutely! Using all ground beef will give a classic taste, while all pork will produce a softer and slightly sweeter meatloaf. The mix just balances juiciness and flavor beautifully, but you can customize based on your preference.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you’re short on Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheeses work well as flavorful alternatives. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy nuance without the dairy content.
Is it necessary to sauté the onion and garlic first?
Sautéing mellows the sharpness of raw onion and garlic, enhancing their flavor and preventing any raw or harsh taste in the finished meatloaf. It’s a small step that adds significant depth to the dish.
How to know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer: the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). This ensures the meatloaf is cooked through but still juicy, avoiding dryness and food safety concerns.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to maintain texture and binding without gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe is a true celebration of comfort food done right, combining familiar ingredients in a way that feels special every time. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just a cozy night in, this recipe delivers both ease and incredible flavor. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it your own signature dish!
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Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf is a flavorful, classic comfort food combining ground beef and pork with aromatic garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs. It’s baked to juicy perfection, making a satisfying main dish perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, sautéed onion and garlic, milk, ketchup, beaten egg, salt, black pepper, dried parsley, and oregano. Stir gently until just combined to avoid tough meatloaf.
- Shape loaf: Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, shaping it into a loaf and smoothing the top for even cooking.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes; this helps juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.
- Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve warm. Garnish with extra parsley if desired for a fresh touch.
Notes
- Using a mix of ground beef and pork enhances flavor and texture.
- Do not overmix the meat to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Resting the meatloaf after baking allows juices to redistribute, preventing dryness.
- Ground meat should be fresh and stored properly before cooking for safety.
- Internal temperature of 160°F is critical for safe consumption of ground beef and pork.
