Easy Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe: Your Family’s New Favorite Dinner

Parmesan meatloaf crafts an ordinary weeknight meal into a gourmet experience that will delight your taste buds.

Hearty ground meat mingles with sharp, nutty cheese, creating a symphony of robust flavors and textures.

Crisp edges give way to a succulent interior, promising a satisfying culinary journey for meat lovers.

Families and friends gather around this classic dish, drawn by its irresistible aroma and comforting appeal.

The golden-brown crust hints at the delectable meal waiting to be savored.

Each slice offers a perfect balance of protein and rich, melted cheese that elevates traditional comfort food.

Prepare to fall in love with this crowd-pleasing recipe that turns simple ingredients into a memorable dining experience.

Why Parmesan Meatloaf Deserves a Spot at the Table

• Packed with Veggie Power: Sneaks in mushrooms, onions, carrots, and celery, making this meatloaf a nutritious powerhouse that adds delicious depth and extra nutrients to every bite.
• Lean and Protein-Rich: Combines ground beef with egg whites and oats, creating a protein-packed meal that keeps you full and satisfied without feeling heavy or greasy.
• Super Easy Weeknight Winner: Takes just about an hour from start to finish, with simple prep and minimal ingredients that come together effortlessly for a stress-free dinner solution.
• Customizable Comfort Classic: Offers flexibility in shaping and topping, allowing home cooks to add personal touches like extra ketchup or different herbs while maintaining a classic meatloaf feel.

What Goes Into a Hearty Parmesan Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein base that provides rich flavor and satisfying texture for the meatloaf.
• Oats: Adds moisture and helps bind the meatloaf together, creating a tender and cohesive dish.

• Mushrooms, Onion, Carrot, Celery: Aromatic vegetables that enhance flavor, add nutritional value, and provide a subtle sweetness to the meatloaf.

• Egg Whites: Natural binder that helps hold the meatloaf together and provides structure.
• Ketchup: Adds tangy sweetness and helps create a delicious glaze on the meatloaf.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings deep umami flavor and complexity to the meat mixture.
• Thyme: A classic herb that provides earthy and slightly minty undertones to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor without the texture of fresh garlic.

• Canola Oil: A neutral oil used for sautéing vegetables and preventing sticking.

How to Bake Parmesan Meatloaf Without the Fuss

Step 1: Preheat The Oven

Warm up your oven to 350°F. Grab a loaf pan and spray it with cooking spray, or line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

• Mushrooms
• Onion
• Carrot
• Celery

Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables become soft and tender. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix Meatloaf Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Oats
• Egg whites
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Thyme
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder

Gently mix everything together, being careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Shape And Bake

Form the meat mixture into a loaf in your prepared pan or on the baking sheet. Optional: Brush extra ketchup on top for added flavor. Bake for 30 minutes, then continue baking for another 30-45 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Step 5: Rest And Serve

Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. Slice and serve hot.

Meatloaf Tips for Juicier Results Every Time

• Boost Moisture: Mix ingredients gently to prevent tough, dense meatloaf by avoiding overworking the meat mixture.
• Vegetable Prep Trick: Finely chop vegetables and sauté them first to release natural sweetness and enhance overall flavor profile.
• Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches exactly 160°F for perfect doneness and food safety.
• Ketchup Glaze Secret: Brush additional ketchup during the last 15 minutes of baking for a caramelized, tangy exterior that adds delicious depth.
• Resting Technique: Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice remains moist and flavorful.

Store and Reheat Parmesan Meatloaf Without Losing Flavor

• Refrigerate Method: Transfer leftover meatloaf slices into an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezing Method: Wrap individual meatloaf portions in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Reheating Method: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place meatloaf slices in a baking dish, add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent drying, and cover with foil. Warm for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Best Bites and Beverages to Serve with Parmesan Meatloaf

• Savor Creamy Red Wine Pairing: Match this hearty meatloaf with a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, cutting through the rich meat flavors while complementing its savory profile.
• Elevate with Fresh Green Sides: Serve alongside roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans to add brightness and balance the meaty texture, providing a crisp vegetable contrast.
• Create Comfort with Mashed Companions: Pair with creamy garlic mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash, soaking up the meatloaf's delicious juices and creating a classic comfort food experience.
• Boost with Tangy Condiment: Add a zesty homemade tomato chutney or quick-pickled vegetable relish on the side, introducing a bright acid element that enhances the meatloaf's deep, meaty undertones.

Fun Flavor Changes for Parmesan Meatloaf Fans

• Zesty Mediterranean Meatloaf: Replace ground beef with ground lamb, add crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and dried oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Meatloaf: Mix in diced green chiles, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and top with pepper jack cheese for a bold southwestern kick.
• Herb-Infused Turkey Meatloaf: Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey, incorporate fresh chopped rosemary and sage, and use breadcrumbs instead of oats for a lighter texture.
• Asian-Inspired Fusion Meatloaf: Blend ground pork with minced ginger, green onions, soy sauce, and a touch of sesame oil, then glaze with a sweet-tangy hoisin sauce before serving.

Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Parmesan meatloaf brings Italian-inspired comfort straight to dinner tables with juicy ground beef and rich cheese. Home cooks can enjoy this hearty classic that combines savory herbs, melted parmesan, and a perfectly seasoned meat mixture you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef (7% or less fat)
• 2 egg whites (or 1 whole egg)

Vegetables:

• 1 cup onion (finely chopped)
• 1 stalk celery (finely chopped)
• 1 carrot (peeled and finely chopped)
• 1 cup white mushrooms (finely chopped)

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons ketchup (plus more for brushing on top)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves (not ground thyme)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic)
• ¼ cup quick cooking or old-fashioned oats (not instant)
• 2 teaspoons canola oil (for sautéing vegetables)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped mushrooms, diced onions, shredded carrots, and finely chopped celery for approximately 5 minutes until vegetables become tender and slightly translucent.
3. Transfer the cooked vegetable mixture to a large mixing bowl and allow to cool for 5-7 minutes at room temperature.
4. Add ground beef, rolled oats, egg whites, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to the vegetable mixture. Gently mix ingredients using a fork or clean hands, being careful not to overwork the meat.
5. Carefully shape the meat mixture into a uniform loaf, ensuring even distribution of ingredients and compact formation.
6. Place the meatloaf in the prepared pan or on the baking sheet. Optional: Brush additional ketchup on top for extra flavor and caramelization.
7. Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
8. Remove from oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Kitchen Hack: Mixing ground beef with sautéed vegetables intensifies flavor depth and keeps meat incredibly moist.
• Prep Shortcut: Chopping vegetables uniformly ensures even cooking and balanced texture throughout the meatloaf.
• Healthy Twist: Incorporating oats provides extra fiber and helps bind ingredients without traditional breadcrumbs.
• Temperature Tip: Using a meat thermometer guarantees perfectly cooked meatloaf without drying out the protein.
• Serving Suggestion: Let meatloaf rest briefly after baking to help juices redistribute, creating more succulent slices.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 245 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 40mg