Hearty Lasagna Meatloaf Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Family Favorite

Comfort food takes on a deliciously hearty twist with this lasagna meatloaf that combines two classic favorites into one mouthwatering dish.

Layers of rich, savory flavors merge seamlessly between tender ground beef and melted cheese.

Every slice promises a perfect balance of meaty goodness and Italian-inspired zest.

The recipe brings together simple ingredients that pack a serious punch of flavor.

Herbs and spices dance throughout each bite, creating a symphony of tastes that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

This crowd-pleasing fusion promises to become a new staple in your dinner rotation.

Let’s find out a meal that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning comfort food lovers.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 357 kcal

Servings: 7

Lasagna Meatloaf Ingredient Rundown

• Ground Beef: Rich, flavorful meat with perfect fat content for juicy texture.
• Ground Turkey: Lean protein option that adds lighter meat dimension.
• Pork: Optional protein alternative for additional richness.

• Egg: Helps bind ingredients and create smooth meatloaf consistency.
• Milk: Adds tenderness and softens breadcrumbs for better texture.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates light, crispy structure and absorbs moisture.
• Ricotta Cheese: Provides creamy texture and subtle tangy flavor.

• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds deep, umami complexity to meat mixture.
• Honey: Balances savory notes with subtle sweetness.
• Garlic: Provides robust, aromatic flavor base.
• Onion, Shallot: Offers layered, sweet-sharp underlying taste.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and adds smooth richness.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings traditional herb blend for authentic taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced flavor profile.

• Lasagna Noodles: Creates classic layered texture and pasta element.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates rich tomato flavor.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Provides fresh, bright sauce base.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for golden, stretchy topping.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright, fresh garnish and color.

Tools That Make Lasagna Meatloaf Simple

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all meatloaf ingredients smoothly.
• Parchment-lined sheet pan: Essential for layering noodles and creating the loaf shape.
• Sharp knife: Needed for precise cutting and slicing after cooking.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Saucepan: Used for creating the delicious tomato sauce.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps mix ingredients and stir sauce.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

Cooking Instructions for Lasagna Meatloaf

• Preparation Setup

Get all ingredients ready and preheat the oven to a toasty 425°F. Gather your baking sheet and parchment paper for easy cleanup.

• Noodle Foundation

Create delicious layers by partially cooking lasagna noodles until they’re just shy of fully done. Arrange these tender pasta sheets on the parchment-lined pan, creating a delectable base for your meaty masterpiece.

• Layering Magic

Build your meatloaf by alternating between seasoned meat mixture, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella. Stack these layers carefully, ensuring each bite will be a flavor explosion. Shape the entire creation into a tempting rectangular form.

• First Baking Stage

Slide your assembled creation into the hot oven and let it bake for a solid 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to start developing a gorgeous golden crust.

• Sauce Creation

While the meatloaf bakes, craft a rich sauce by sautéing shallots and garlic. Introduce tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of honey. Let this sauce simmer and develop deep, complex flavors.

• Final Touch

Generously spread the aromatic sauce over the partially cooked meatloaf. Return it to the oven for a final 15-minute bake, letting the sauce caramelize and intensify the dish’s overall deliciousness.

• Serving Moment

Allow your culinary creation to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is incredibly moist and packed with flavor.

Ideal Tips for Lasagna Meatloaf

• Experiment with different cheese combinations like provolone, parmesan, or fontina to create unique flavor profiles that elevate the classic meatloaf.
• Try ground turkey or a blend of ground beef and Italian sausage for a richer, more complex meat texture and taste sensation.
• Sneak in finely chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers into the meat mixture to add extra nutrition and moisture to your meatloaf.
• Add red pepper flakes, dried oregano, or fresh basil to the meat mixture for a zesty Italian-inspired kick that brings more depth to the dish.
• Prepare the entire meatloaf a day ahead and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together for an even more delicious meal when baked fresh.

How to Serve Lasagna Meatloaf

• Family Feast Centerpiece: Serve this lasagna meatloaf as the star of your dinner table, surrounded by crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Slice into neat squares and transport to gatherings, where friends will marvel at this unique twist on classic comfort foods that combines two beloved dishes.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the rich tomato sauce and hearty meat with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which will enhance the deep flavors and make the meal feel extra special.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining slices into next-day sandwiches by placing between toasted bread with extra marinara sauce and melted provolone cheese for a delicious lunch option.

Meal Planning and Storage Tips for Lasagna Meatloaf

• Fridge Freshness Strategy: Store leftover lasagna meatloaf in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps well for 3-4 days when refrigerated properly.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Wrap individual slices or whole meatloaf in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze up to 3 months for quick future meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Portion Power Planning: Cut meatloaf into individual servings before storing. This allows easy grab-and-go lunch options and prevents repeated reheating that can dry out the dish.
• Reheat Rescue Method: Warm refrigerated slices in microwave with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Alternatively, reheat in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Hearty Lasagna Meatloaf Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty lasagna meatloaf combines classic Italian flavors with comforting American cuisine. Layers of seasoned ground beef, cheese, and pasta create a satisfying main dish you’ll want to serve at family dinners.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (20% fat)
• 1 lb (454 g) ground turkey (pork optional)
• 6 full lasagna noodles
• 1 cup (237 ml) mozzarella cheese
• ¾ cup (177 ml) ricotta cheese
• ¾ cup (177 ml) panko breadcrumbs
• 14 oz (397 g) crushed tomatoes
• 3 oz (85 g) tomato paste
• 1 egg
• ⅓ cup (79 ml) milk
• ¼ cup (59 ml) honey
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 2 tsps Italian seasoning
• 2 tsps salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 shallot, minced
• 7 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and heat oven to 425°F (218°C) for optimal cooking conditions.
2. Meat Mixture: Blend ground meat with breadcrumbs, eggs, herbs, salt, and pepper in a large bowl, ensuring uniform seasoning and texture.
3. Noodle Preparation: Briefly boil lasagna noodles in salted water until pliable, then drain and pat dry to maintain structural integrity.
4. Initial Layering: Construct the first layer on the parchment sheet, positioning lasagna noodles as the foundation, topped with seasoned meat mixture, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese.
5. Continued Construction: Build subsequent layers, alternating noodles, meat, and cheeses, culminating with a meat layer to form a cohesive rectangular loaf.
6. Primary Baking: Slide the assembled loaf into the preheated oven and roast for 30 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and meat to cook thoroughly.
7. Sauce Creation: Sauté shallots and garlic in olive oil until aromatic, then incorporate tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and honey.
8. Sauce Development: Simmer the sauce for 20 minutes, developing a rich, complex flavor profile.
9. Sauce Application: Remove loaf from oven, generously coat with prepared tomato sauce, then return to oven.
10. Final Baking: Continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes, allowing sauce to caramelize and flavors to intensify.
11. Resting Period: Remove from oven and let sit for 10 minutes, enabling layers to set and facilitating clean slicing.
12. Serving: Slice into generous portions, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs for added visual appeal and flavor.

Notes

• Optimize Meat Mixture: Mix ground meat gently to prevent tough texture, using light hand movements to keep meat tender and juicy.
• Noodle Preparation Tip: Slightly undercook lasagna noodles to prevent soggy layers, ensuring they maintain structural integrity during baking.
• Moisture Management: Pat noodles thoroughly dry to avoid excess liquid that could make the meatloaf soggy or fall apart.
• Flavor Layering Technique: Create even distribution of ingredients in each layer to guarantee consistent taste and texture in every bite.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 357
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 589 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg