Ok ya’ll, get ready for the ultimate Italian-American comfort food – Michael Chiarello’s Italian Meatloaf!
The secret is using fresh breadcrumbs soaked in milk, which keeps everything tender and moist from start to finish.
I like to mix the ingredients gently with my hands—overworking the meat makes it tough, so light handling is key.
Instead of ketchup, a simple tomato sauce on top keeps it from feeling too heavy while still adding a rich, slow-cooked taste.
I’m attached to this recipe for its soothing, hearty simplicity, reminding me of quiet winter nights by the fire!
How to Make Michael Chiarello Italian Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Ground Beef
- 1 lb. Italian Sausage
- 2 Eggs
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 1/4 cup Basil (chopped)
- 1/4 cup Parsley (chopped)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 Onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 cup Bell Peppers (chopped)
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2:
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers.
Sauté until they are soft and fragrant.
Step 3:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, eggs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, basil, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
Add the sautéed vegetables to the meat mixture.
Mix everything well.
Step 4:
Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan, pressing it down evenly.
Smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 5:
Bake in the oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to serve.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Use Fresh Herbs
Using fresh basil and parsley rather than dried ones infuses the meatloaf with more robust flavors.
You can taste the freshness and it makes a big difference!
Don’t Overmix
Be careful not to overmix your meat mixture.
Overmixing can make the meatloaf dense, and you want it to remain tender and juicy.
Let It Rest
Allowing the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the juices redistribute.
Trust me, it will be worth the wait for a moist and delicious slice!
Customize the Spice Level
Adjust the amount of black pepper or add red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat in your dishes.
Go ahead and make it your own!
Add a Sauce
Consider topping your meatloaf with tomato sauce or marinara before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
It gives a lovely, tangy coating everyone will appreciate.
What to Serve with Michael Chiarello Italian Meatloaf
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes go perfectly with Michael Chiarello’s Italian meatloaf, providing a creamy and comforting texture that complements the meatloaf’s flavors.
You can make them extra special by adding roasted garlic or a bit of grated Parmesan cheese.
These will make for an incredible pairing!
Roasted Vegetables
Consider serving your Italian meatloaf with a colorful mix of roasted vegetables.
Toss together chunks of carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers with olive oil, salt, and herbs before roasting them in the oven.
Cauliflower Rice
For a lighter option, cauliflower rice can be a wonderful substitute for traditional grains.
It offers a subtle flavor that pairs nicely with the savory notes of the meatloaf.
Sauté the cauliflower rice with a bit of garlic and lemon zest for an extra kick.
Caprese Salad
You might want to try a fresh Caprese salad alongside your meatloaf.
The combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil will offer a refreshing bite that balances the richness of the meatloaf.
Drizzle it with balsamic reduction for added depth.
Polenta
Creamy polenta is another fantastic option that might not immediately come to mind.
It’s a delicious base that adds a luxurious, buttery texture under the spiced meatloaf.
Top it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for additional flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
Ground Meat Choices
You can change up the meat in your Italian meatloaf to suit your dietary preferences or taste.
Mixing ground turkey with Italian sausage offers a lighter version that still packs tons of flavor.
Adding Vegetables
Feel free to sneak in some veggies like onions, peppers, or spinach.
They add great moisture and freshness to your meatloaf, plus a healthy boost!
Breadcrumb Alternatives
If breadcrumbs aren’t in your pantry, try using crushed crackers or oats as a substitute.
Both work well to hold everything together and make it deliciously tender.
Cheese Options
Parmesan is classic, but you can switch things up with Pecorino Romano for a sharper kick.
Different cheeses can bring new flavors to your loaf, so don’t be shy to experiment!
Worcestershire Sauce Swap
For those avoiding Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or tamari can offer an umami-rich substitute.
They add depth and work wonderfully with the other ingredients in the meatloaf.
How to Store Leftover Michael Chiarello Italian Meatloaf
Using the Refrigerator
Once your Italian meatloaf has cooled to room temperature, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
Storing it in the fridge will keep it fresh for up to four days.
Make sure to place it on a separate shelf away from strong-smelling foods to maintain its flavor.
Freezing Your Meatloaf
If you want to store it for a longer period, freezing is a great option.
Wrap individual slices in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
Then, put them in a freezer-safe bag with all the air squeezed out for up to three months.
Label and Date
Always label and date your containers or wraps when you are planning to store leftovers.
It will help you keep track of how long they have been in your fridge or freezer.
This also makes it easier to plan your meals for the week!
Feel free to share any tips you have for better storage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overmixing the Meat
You might be tempted to mix the ingredients for longer, believing it will make the loaf smoother.
Avoid doing this!
Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough texture.
Gently combine your ingredients just until they are incorporated.
Incorrect Pan Choice
Using a loaf pan that’s too small can spell disaster.
Your meatloaf needs room to cook evenly.
An overly packed pan can lead to uneven cooking, especially in the center.
Consider shaping the mixture into a loaf on a baking sheet if you lack the right size pan.
Ignoring Resting Time
When your meatloaf comes out of the oven, your instinct might be to slice it up immediately.
Be patient.
Letting it rest for at least ten minutes helps the juices redistribute.
This step ensures every slice stays juicy and flavorful, which is what we all want!
Michael Chiarello Italian Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Ground Beef
- 1 lb. Italian Sausage
- 2 Eggs
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1/4 cup Basil chopped
- 1/4 cup Parsley chopped
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 Onion chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 cup Bell Peppers chopped
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers.
- Sauté until they are soft and fragrant.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, eggs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, basil, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the sautéed vegetables to the meat mixture.
- Mix everything well.
- Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan, pressing it down evenly.
- Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to serve.