If you love both pizza and meatloaf, why not combine them into one epic dish? Pizza Meatloaf is a fun and flavorful twist on traditional meatloaf, packed with all the delicious flavors of a classic pizza. It’s made with seasoned ground beef, Italian herbs, gooey melted cheese, and a rich marinara sauce—all topped with crispy pepperoni and more cheese!
This recipe is perfect for a family dinner, meal prep, or even a potluck. Kids and adults alike will love it, and the best part is that it’s super easy to make. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering Pizza Meatloaf recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite in your household!
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (85% lean for the best texture)
- ½ lb ground Italian sausage (optional but adds great flavor)
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- ½ cup finely diced pepperoni (or mini pepperoni)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup marinara sauce
For the Topping
- ¾ cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- 10-12 pepperoni slices
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (for garnish)
- Fresh basil (optional for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Soak the Breadcrumbs
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them sit for 5 minutes—this keeps the meatloaf moist and tender.
Step 3: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Ground beef
- Italian sausage (if using)
- Soaked breadcrumb mixture
- Eggs
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes
- Diced pepperoni
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Marinara sauce
- Mix everything together gently with your hands or a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
- Transfer the meatloaf mixture into the prepared loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
Step 5: Add the Pizza Toppings
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread ¾ cup marinara sauce evenly on top.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
- Arrange pepperoni slices on top.
- Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Step 6: Rest and Serve
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute.
- Sprinkle with dried oregano and fresh basil if desired.
- Slice and serve warm with extra marinara sauce on the side!
Tips for the Best Pizza Meatloaf
- Use a Combination of Meats: Mixing ground beef with Italian sausage adds a deeper, more authentic pizza flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Breadcrumbs & Milk: This keeps the meatloaf moist and tender.
- Try Different Pizza Toppings: Add black olives, mushrooms, green peppers, or cooked bacon for extra flavor!
- Bake on a Sheet Pan for a Crusty Exterior: A loaf pan keeps the meatloaf moist, but a baking sheet allows for more crispy edges.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-packaged shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
Freezing:
- Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven at 350°F.
Variations
- Chicken or Turkey Pizza Meatloaf: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Stuffed Pizza Meatloaf: Add a layer of cheese in the middle of the meatloaf before baking for a gooey surprise.
- BBQ Pizza Meatloaf: Swap the marinara for BBQ sauce and top with cheddar cheese and crispy bacon.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
Nutrition Details (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
FAQ
1. Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the meatloaf up to 24 hours in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Bake when ready.
2. Can I use store-bought meatloaf mix?
Yes! A combination of beef, pork, and veal works great for a softer texture.
3. What can I serve with Pizza Meatloaf?
This dish pairs well with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
4. Can I make this meatloaf in a slow cooker?
Yes! Shape the meatloaf, place it in a slow cooker, and cook on LOW for 6 hours. Add toppings in the last 30 minutes.
5. How do I keep my meatloaf from falling apart?
Make sure to use enough binder (eggs & breadcrumbs) and don’t overmix the meat. Letting it rest before slicing also helps.
Ce **Pizza Meatloaf** est une véritable révolution ! Il est savoureux, généreux en fromage et débordant de saveur de pizza, en faisant un repas parfait pour toute la famille. Essayez-le ce soir et dites-moi ce que vous en pensez ! 🍕🥩😋 This Pizza Meatloaf is a total game-changer! It’s cheesy, meaty, and bursting with pizza flavor, making it a perfect meal for the whole family. Try it tonight and let me know how you like it! 🍕🥩😋
Pizza Meatloaf: A Fun Twist on a Classic Comfort Food
- Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
Description
If you love both pizza and meatloaf, why not combine them into one epic dish? Pizza Meatloaf is a fun and flavorful twist on traditional meatloaf, packed with all the delicious flavors of a classic pizza. It’s made with seasoned ground beef, Italian herbs, gooey melted cheese, and a rich marinara sauce—all topped with crispy pepperoni and more cheese!
This recipe is perfect for a family dinner, meal prep, or even a potluck. Kids and adults alike will love it, and the best part is that it’s super easy to make. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering Pizza Meatloaf recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite in your household!
Ingredients
Ground beef (or a mix of beef and Italian sausage)
Breadcrumbs
Eggs
Parmesan cheese, grated
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Italian seasoning
Salt
Black pepper
Pepperoni slices
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Pizza sauce
Olive oil
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a loaf pan.
In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Press half of the meat mixture into the loaf pan.
Layer shredded mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices in the center.
Cover with the remaining meat mixture, sealing the edges.
Brush the top with pizza sauce and arrange more pepperoni slices on top.
Bake for 45–50 minutes until cooked through.
Sprinkle extra mozzarella on top and bake for another 5 minutes until melted.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
Keywords: Pizza Meatloaf, Meatloaf Recipe, Italian Meatloaf, Easy Dinner Recipe, Ground Beef Recipes, Cheesy Meatloaf, Pepperoni Meatloaf, Comfort Food