Meatloaf is not only the ultimate comfort food. I love doubling this Guilt-Free Easy Italian Meatloaf recipe so that I have plenty of leftovers to use later in the week.
You can cook the meatloaf using 11 ingredients and 2 steps. Here is how you cook it.
Guilt-Free Easy Italian Meatloaf
This Guilt-Free Easy Italian Meatloaf recipe is the ultimate comfort food. You'll have plenty of leftovers to use when you double the recipe.
Ingredients
TO MAKE THE MEATLOAF:
2 tablespoons milk
¼ cup bread crumbs - without HFCS
1 pound ground beef (minced beef) - 80-85% lean
1 pinch salt
1 pinch ground black pepper
½ cup pecorino romano cheese - shredded
2 large egg- 2-3 ounces pancetta - thinly sliced and chopped
TO MAKE THE MEATLOAF TOPPING:
1 can tomato - diced and drained
¼ cup ketchup (tomato sauce Australia and UK) - without HFCS
1 teaspoon Italian herbs (oregano, rosemary, thyme, and sometimes basil and parsley)
¼ cup Marinara sauce (tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and onions – pasta sauce in southern hemisphere for Italian seafood dish) - optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Stir breadcrumbs and milk together in a large bowl. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
- Spray the bottom and sides of the pie plate or pan with non-stick cooking spray. Put the beef mixture into the plate or pan and spread evenly. Mix topping ingredients and spread evenly on top of the beef mixture. Bake for 20 – 25 minutes. Let the meatloaf rest 5 minutes prior to serving.
Notes
- I like having a tomato sauce-type topping on my meatloaf. I have found that I am able to add an 8-ounce can of tomato sauce and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to the sauce without any ill effects.
- I usually use lactose-free milk for this meatloaf, but if I am out, I will use unsweetened almond milk. It does not alter the taste of the meatloaf, so it makes a great substitute. You could also use light whipping cream or regular milk.
- Double this recipe, so you have plenty of leftovers for lunch the next day or dinner the next night.
- Meatloaf sandwiches
- Leftover meatloaf, green beans, and mashed potatoes
- Spaghetti and meat sauce – Combine jarred marinara sauce and crumbled leftover meatloaf. Heat well. Serve with pasta.
Nutrition
Calories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 31gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 197mgSodium: 636mgPotassium: 691mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 476IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 234mgIron: 5mg
How did this recipe turn out for you?We’re eager to hear your thoughts!
