Pizza Meatloaf

Pizza Meatloaf is a fun, comforting twist on the classic meatloaf that combines two beloved favorites—pizza and meatloaf—into one satisfying dish. It features a tender, juicy meatloaf seasoned with Italian herbs, layered with rich pizza sauce, gooey melted mozzarella, and classic pizza toppings. This recipe is perfect for those nights when you’re craving pizza flavors but want a hearty, home-cooked meal instead.

What makes Pizza Meatloaf so appealing is how familiar yet exciting it feels. It delivers all the savory, cheesy goodness of pizza in a sliceable, family-friendly form. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s a great way to change up dinner while still keeping everyone happy at the table.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s comforting, creative, and incredibly satisfying. It takes the cozy texture of meatloaf and elevates it with bold Italian flavors and melted cheese. It’s also a fantastic way to please picky eaters and pizza lovers alike, making dinner stress-free and enjoyable.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Combines two comfort food classics
• Easy to prepare and bake
• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
• Customizable with favorite pizza toppings
• Perfect for weeknight dinners

Time, Servings, and Nutrition

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50–55 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 6

Approximate Calories: 430–480 calories per serving

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Meatloaf Base

• 1 pound ground beef (or half beef, half pork)
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Pizza Topping

• ¾ cup pizza sauce or marinara
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup sliced pepperoni
• ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped bell peppers (optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Mix meatloaf ingredients until combined.
2. Shape into a loaf and bake.
3. Add pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings.
4. Return to oven until cheese is melted.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or baking sheet.
2. Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, seasonings, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
3. Shape the Loaf: Transfer mixture to the pan and shape into a loaf.
4. Initial Bake: Bake uncovered for 35 minutes.
5. Add Toppings: Remove from oven, spread pizza sauce evenly on top, sprinkle with mozzarella, and add pepperoni and other toppings.
6. Finish Baking: Return to oven and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and meatloaf is cooked through.
7. Rest: Let meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

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How to Serve This Recipe

Serve Pizza Meatloaf warm, sliced thick, and garnished with fresh basil or parsley. It pairs well with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Recipe Tips

• Avoid overmixing to keep meatloaf tender.
• Use freshly shredded mozzarella for best melt.
• Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to hold its shape.
• Line the pan with parchment for easy cleanup.
• Customize toppings just like pizza.

Variations (Detailed)

1. Pepperoni Lover’s Pizza Meatloaf: Add extra pepperoni inside the loaf.
2. Veggie Pizza Meatloaf: Add mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.
3. Cheese-Stuffed Version: Add a layer of mozzarella inside the meatloaf.
4. Turkey Pizza Meatloaf: Use ground turkey for a lighter option.
5. Spicy Pizza Meatloaf: Add red pepper flakes or spicy sausage.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked meatloaf slices for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in oven or microwave until warmed through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Loaf pan or baking sheet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

Conclusion

Pizza Meatloaf is a delicious, creative twist on a classic comfort food that brings bold pizza flavors to the dinner table in an easy, satisfying way. With its juicy texture, melty cheese, and customizable toppings, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Pizza Meatloaf

Pizza Meatloaf is a fun, comforting twist on the classic meatloaf that combines two beloved favorites—pizza and meatloaf—into one satisfying dish. It features a tender, juicy meatloaf seasoned with Italian herbs, layered with rich pizza sauce, gooey melted mozzarella, and classic pizza toppings.

Author: Stella Parker Cuisine: Italian Course: Dinner

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Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 55 mins Total Time 1 hr 15 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 6

Ingredients

Servings

Meatloaf Base

• 1 pound ground beef (or half beef, half pork)
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Pizza Topping

• ¾ cup pizza sauce or marinara
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup sliced pepperoni
• ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped bell peppers (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or baking sheet.
2. Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, seasonings, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
3. Shape the Loaf: Transfer mixture to the pan and shape into a loaf.
4. Initial Bake: Bake uncovered for 35 minutes.
5. Add Toppings: Remove from oven, spread pizza sauce evenly on top, sprinkle with mozzarella, and add pepperoni and other toppings.
6. Finish Baking: Return to oven and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and meatloaf is cooked through.
7. Rest: Let meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Keywords: Pizza Meatloaf