Italian-American Meatloaf with Parmesan and Marinara

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef chuck
• 1 lb ground pork
• 3 cups torn crustless Italian bread
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Before you cook

• Soak the torn bread in the milk for 10 minutes, then squeeze it lightly and mash it smooth.
• Mince the garlic and chop the parsley.
• Oil a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with the olive oil.

Steps

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Add the eggs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano and red pepper flakes to the soaked bread and stir into a wet paste.
3. Add the ground beef and ground pork and fold everything together with your hands until just uniform.
4. Shape the mixture into an oval loaf in the center of the oiled baking dish.
5. Spoon one cup of the marinara over the loaf so it coats the top and sides.
6. Pour the rest of the marinara around the base of the loaf.
7. Bake uncovered for 60 minutes.
8. Scatter the mozzarella over the top and bake 12 to 15 minutes more, until the cheese is melted and the center reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
9. Rest the loaf for 15 minutes, then slice it and spoon the pan sauce over each serving.