Our family loves Italian Meatloaf with Mozzarella so much, it's requested on a regular basis and ranks right up there with grilled steaks. It's much more than your average meatloaf, loaded with herbs and cheese and topped with a homemade marinara sauce.
Preheat oven to 375℉. Spray a glass baking pan (9x13) with a nonstick cooking spray. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil into the bottom of the pan. Spread with a spoon.
Prepare the Ingredients
Using a fine-edged zester, grate the Parmesan cheese.
With a knife and cutting board, slice fresh mozzarella into small chunks.
Mix and Assemble the Meatloaf
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, Italian-style bread crumbs, whole ricotta cheese, whole milk, grated Parmesan cheese, large eggs, dried minced onion, dried parsley, basil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Using a fine-edged zester, sprinkle in freshly grated nutmeg.
Mix everything together using a long-handled spoon or your hands until thoroughly combined. Add the chunks of fresh mozzarella, folding in to incorporate.
Form the meat into a large oval loaf, using your hands to shape it along the top and sides. Place in the middle of the prepared baking pan. Drizzle with remaining olive oil.
Cover with aluminum foil, and bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 45-50 minutes until done. Inner temperature should reach 160 degrees.
Prepare Homemade Marinara Sauce
During the last 30 minutes of baking, prepare the marinara sauce. In a medium saucepan combine crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, and Worcesershire sauce.
Season with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and if desired, red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to a simmer. Allow to simmer, uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will make approximately 3 1/3 cups of sauce.
Remove meatloaf from the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Place on a large tray to serve. Serve with marinara sauce. Serves 6-8.