| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 590 | 35g | 16g | 24g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 3g | 48g | 1.2g |
Why I Love Italian Beef Meatloaf with Spinach and Cheese
If there is one dish that has won my heart over, it has to be the Italian classic – Beef Meatloaf with Spinach and Cheese. Over the years, I’ve learnt that cooking isn’t just about following a recipe to the letter. It’s about experimenting, exploring and incorporating new flavors into traditional favorites.
Italian Cuisine Meets Montana
Being born and raised in Montana, I grew up with the rustic flavors of ranch and traditional Native American dishes. Those hearty, earthy tastes will always be home for me. But my culinary journey took an unexpected turn when I was introduced to the delights of Italian cuisines, and one of my favorite dishes to whip up is still this Beef Meatloaf with Spinach and Cheese.
The flavors in this dish remain true to its Italian roots, but there is something about the combination of ground beef, spinach and cheese that harks back to my native Montana. It’s the type of comfort food that could only come from a place with deep culinary ties, such as the vast plains of Montana or the rural areas of Italy.
A Nod to the Classics
Despite my penchant for experimenting, there’s a certain solace I find in the classic dish of Beef Meatloaf with Spinach and Cheese. It reminds me of meals cooked by Jamie Oliver, who has been a key source of culinary inspiration for me. He has a knack for making food that is comforting, yet refined, much like this meatloaf.
Moreover, this dish pairs well with other comfort foods, such as mashed potatoes or a side of buttered green beans. It shares similar flavors with dishes like lasagna or beef cannelloni, but stands out with its unique presentation and the delightful layers of spinach and cheese within.
Cooking is a creative process for me. It’s a blend of memories, inspirations, and a whole lot of love for food. No matter where my culinary journey takes me, Beef Meatloaf with Spinach and Cheese will always have a special place in my repertoire. Like Montana for me, it is a dish that now feels like home.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of lean ground beef
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 3/4 cup of bread crumbs
- 1 1/2 cups of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups of finely chopped fresh spinach
- 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons of Italian seasoning
- Salt and Black pepper to taste
- 1 cup of marinara sauce
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, eggs, whole milk, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and chopped spinach. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step Two
In a small skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Once they are done cooking, add them to your beef mixture.
Step Three
Next, add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the mixture. Again, use your hands or a spoon to thoroughly combine all the ingredients. Be sure that the seasonings have been evenly distributed through the beef mixture.
Step Four
Transfer your beef mixture into a loaf pan, shaping it into a loaf-like form. Pour the marinara sauce over the top of your beef loaf, ensuring an even distribution. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the marinara sauce.
Step Five
Place your loaf pan into the preheated oven. Bake it for about 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit when tested with a meat thermometer.
Step Six
Once your meatloaf has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the juices to settle and the cheese to slightly harden, making it easier to slice and serve.
