Pizza Meatloaf – Two Comfort Foods in One!
You’ve had meatloaf, and you’ve had pizza… but have you tried them together? No? This recipe might just be lifechanging, then. Pizza Meatloaf is all of the tastiness of cheesy, pepperoni pizza, packed into a loaf of juicy ground beef instead of a crust!
Pizza Meatloaf – Two Comfort Foods in One!Recipe IngredientsHow to Make Pizza MeatloafTips for SuccessServing SuggestionsHow to Store and Reheat LeftoversCan I Freeze Extras?Get the Recipe
Usually when I announce that we’re having meatloaf for dinner, my kids are less than thrilled. However, when the word pizza is thrown in, the atmosphere changes dramatically. (Pepperoni and gooey mozzarella cheese are the best defense against pick-eating tendencies, in case you were wondering.) Enjoy this super simple comfort food dinner, and feel free to customize what you add in!
Recipe Ingredients
As is usually true for most comfort food recipes, the ingredients list for this homemade meatloaf is pretty short:
Pepperoni: If you would rather use another meat, like bacon, feel free! Ground Beef: I prefer to use lean ground beef for this recipe. Egg: Will bind the meat together and add moisture. Cheese: I like to use both mozzarella and ricotta cheese in this meatloaf. Seasoning: You’ll need thyme, garlic powder, oregano, crushed red pepper, and salt. Breadcrumbs: Italian breadcrumbs work really well, as do Panko breadcrumbs. Sauce: Use your favorite tomato sauce (I like Homestyle Ragu sauce*) or pizza sauce.
*I LOVE the new Homestyle Ragu sauces…they are thick and taste super fresh. I would even use this in place of pizza sauce on a homemade pie! There are no artificial flavors, no high fructose corn syrup, and the flavor is super bold. I really, really love it. I found it at my local Stop & Shop.
How to Make Pizza Meatloaf
If you’ve got busy school/work nights, Pizza Meatloaf is a great dinnertime solution. It only takes about 15 minutes to put together, and then you just have to let it bake, which means you can go do other things while you wait, if need be! Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl using your hands combine pepperoni, ground beef, egg, ricotta cheese, thyme, garlic powder, oregano, breadcrumbs, salt, and red pepper. Layer the Meatloaf: Divide the mixture in half and place half of it in the prepared pan, forming into a loaf shape, creating a shallow well. Place the cheese slices in the well of the ground beef mixture. Top the cheese with the remaining meat mixture, making sure to seal the cheese inside, so it doesn’t leak out. Add Sauce & Bake: Spread half of the Ragu Sauce on top of the meatloaf and bake for 45 minutes. Bake Again: Remove the meatloaf from the oven, spread the remaining sauce on top and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Serve warm.
Tips for Success
And that’s it! Simple, right? Here are some extra tips so you can make sure you get the best results with your meatloaf:
Ground Beef Substitutes: Italian sausage can be mixed in with your ground beef for extra flavor. Ground turkey is also good as a meatloaf base if you don’t want to use beef. Mozzarella Substitute: Mozzarella is the best cheese to use because it melts so well, but provolone will also work in a pinch. Other Add-Ins: Onions, spinach, mushrooms, peppers, and any other pizza toppings you can think of, will all taste amazing in this meatloaf! How to Know If the Meatloaf is Done: Stick a meat thermometer in the center, or thickest part, of the meatloaf and make sure it reads 165°F. Try not to overcook it – dry meatloaf is not an experience you want to have!
Serving Suggestions
Wondering what to serve with Pizza Meatloaf? Here are a couple of ideas:
Garlic Bread: Everybody knows that garlic bread (or Garlic Knots) goes perfectly with pizza, so why not pizza meatloaf? Salad: For a lighter option, a green salad is a good idea – and if you have time try this Homemade Ranch Dressing with it! Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, etc. – whatever your go-to veggies are.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Leftovers (if you’ve got ‘em!) can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 2-3 days. When you want to reheat the meatloaf, bake in the oven at 350°F again until the desired temperature is reached, or simply microwave.
Can I Freeze Extras?
Yes! Store extras in an airtight container, or wrap them in aluminum foil and seal them in a freezer bag. Make sure to eat the leftovers within 3 months, and thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. *Sponsored post by Lunchbox. All opinions are my own.
You’ll also sign up to get new recipes in your inbox. Δ
More Comfort Food Recipes
Looking for more simple yet delicious comfort food recipes to try? Check out these:
Unstuffed Shells Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Swedish Meatballs Pierogi Casserole Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie
