Description
This Italian Meatloaf recipe offers a hearty, flavor-packed dinner featuring smoky turkey bacon, melty plant-based cheese, and a natural gelling agent for perfect texture. Combining ground beef and pork, fresh herbs, and tangy crushed tomatoes, this dish is comforting, easy to prepare, and ideal for any weeknight dinner or leftovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely grated or chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (such as parsley and basil), chopped
- 1 tbsp natural gelling agent
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Tomato Topping
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes (natural)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork with finely grated onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, and fresh herbs. Add the finely chopped smoked turkey bacon, cubed plant-based cheese, and natural gelling agent. Pour in the apple cider vinegar and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, then gently mix everything together without overworking the mixture.
- Shape the Loaf: On a lined baking sheet or a greased loaf pan, mold the meat mixture into a compact loaf shape. This ensures even cooking and helps develop a nice crust.
- Add the Tomato Topping: Spread the crushed tomatoes evenly over the top of the shaped loaf. Season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor and keep the meatloaf moist.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). During baking, the smoked turkey bacon and plant-based cheese will create a delightful aroma and a gooey texture inside.
- Rest and Serve: After baking, allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Resting helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is tender and flavorful.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the loaf is cooked perfectly without drying out.
- Don’t overmix the ingredients to keep the meat tender and prevent toughness.
- Fresh herbs elevate the flavor more than dried options but dried Italian seasoning can be used as a substitute.
- Rest the loaf after baking for juicy slices and less crumbling.
- Customize the tomato topping by mixing natural ketchup with crushed tomatoes for a sweeter glaze.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Italian meatloaf, turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, easy dinner, comforting meal, weeknight recipe
