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This Italian meatloaf with ricotta cheese (Polpettone alla Ricotta) is juicy, tender and delicious. It is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for family dinner.
This meatloaf is a delicious Italian version of classic American comfort food. Be sure to try our Best Meatloaf Recipe, Southern Meatloaf or Meatloaf with Ritz Crackers.
Ricotta Meatloaf
Not sure what to make for dinner? Try this ricotta meatloaf—it’s big enough to feed a crowd and packed with flavor. Made with ground beef, ricotta, onion, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning, it’s extra creamy, tender, and sure to become a favorite!
Italian Meatloaf Recipe Ingredients
- Garlic cloves and onion: We like to chop onion, garlic and parsley in a food processor before adding to other ingredients. It is an effortless and very quick method to mince everything. It seriously takes not more than 1 minute. Use an S-blade attachment for food processor to do this job. Be sure to quarter onion.
- Fresh parsley: It is a go-to herb for this meatloaf, but basil leaves will work too.
- Ground beef: We recommend to use ground beef (77-80% lean). It is perfect for this meatloaf as it has enough moisture and holds its shape while baking.
- Whole milk Ricotta cheese: If you are not familiar with ricotta cheese, it is a creamy cheese made with cow’s milk. You can buy it at your local grocery shop or on amazon. We like Calabro or White Rose brands.
- Milk: It is an optional ingredient. Use it only if your ricotta is too dry.
- Parmesan: Please grate it yourself for the best results.
- Eggs: They work as a binder and help the meatloaf hold its shape while baking.
- Italian breadcrumbs: We prefer to use Italian breadcrumbs. Panko is another great option.
- Worcestershire sauce: It is not a typical ingredient for this Italian meatloaf, but we like to add 1 tablespoon as it helps to tenderize the meat and adds flavor.
- Italian seasoning: Any Italian seasoning will work well for this recipe.
- Dried oregano: You can substitute it with dried sage if desired.
- Salt and pepper: Adjust the amount to your liking.
How to Make Ricotta Meatloaf
- Chop onion, garlic and parsley in a food processor with an S-blade attachment.
- Combine all the ingredients for this meatloaf: the chopped onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, Italian seasoning, ground beef, eggs, ricotta cheese, Parmesan, Italian bread crumbs, salt and pepper. Don’t over mix!
- Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan and form 9x 5- inch loaf. Turn it out onto the prepared roasting tray with rack. Alternatively, you can form the loaf with your hands.
- Bake for 50 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Mix together the tomato sauce (marinara), onion powder and Italian seasoning in a medium bowl.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the glaze over it. Bake further for 15 minutes or until cooked through. Once the internal temperature is 160 F ( 71 C), meatloaf is done. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 10-15 minutes.
Recipe Tips
- We like to use a food processor for chopping the veggies and herbs. It saves times and efforts. If you don’t have it, grate onion, chop parsley and mince garlic.
- Bake the meatloaf on the tray with rack. Doing this, you allow the drippings to fall through the rack and also provide even heating.
- Glaze the meatloaf. Pour the glaze over the meatloaf and spread with a spoon to cover completely. It will prevent it from drying out.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It is not necessary to do, but it ensures you won’t overbake the meatloaf. The meatloaf is done when the internal temperature is 160 F (71 C).
How Long To Cook It
Cooking time depends on the size and shape of your meatloaf. It bakes faster on a tray and slower in a loaf pan. Check doneness with a meat thermometer—total time is usually 60 to 75 minutes.
Side Dishes for Meatloaf
Here are some of our favorite side dishes.
- Cheesy Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Healthy Mashed Potatoes
- Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Sauteed Mushrooms
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Ricotta makes the meatloaf extra tender, moist, and creamy. It softens the texture and prevents the meat from drying out.
Yes! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it up to 24 hours in advance, then cover and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed. You can also fully cook it and reheat later.
Meatloaf is best baked uncovered. This helps it develop a nice outer crust. The glaze added at the end keeps it from drying out.
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If you make this Italian meatloaf with ricotta cheese be sure to leave a comment or give this recipe a rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐! We will be happy to hear from you!
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Italian Meatloaf with Ricotta Cheese
Ingredients
For The Meatloaf
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 5 garlic cloves
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
- ½ cup milk, optional, if ricotta is thick/dry
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet (or rack) with parchment paper.
- Prep aromatics: Pulse onion, garlic, and parsley in a food processor until finely minced.
- Mix: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the onion mixture and mix gently just until combined.
- Shape: Form into a loaf (about 9×5 inches) and place on prepared baking sheet or rack.
- Bake: Bake for 50 minutes.
- Glaze: Mix marinara, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Spread over meatloaf.
- Finish: Return to oven and bake 15 minutes more, until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Rest & serve: Let rest 10 minutes, slice, and serve with extra marinara, Parmesan, and parsley if desired.
Notes
- Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the meatloaf tender, not dense.
- Use whole milk ricotta: It adds moisture and richness. If your ricotta is thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it.
- Finely mince aromatics: Make sure the onion, garlic, and parsley are very finely chopped so they blend smoothly into the meat.
- Shape evenly: Form a uniform loaf so it cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out on the edges.
- Check doneness: Use a thermometer — the center should reach 160°F for perfectly cooked meatloaf.
- Let it rest: Resting for 10 minutes helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.
- Make ahead friendly: You can assemble the meatloaf ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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This recipe is absolutely Fantastic! I needed an idea for some good meatloaf! Thank you!
Thank you Jane!I am very happy you liked it))) Hop you will try other recipes on the blog!
My husband loved this recipe. This Italian meatloaf was so creamy, juicy and flavorful and baking it on the rack let the heat circulate, making it less greasy. A great idea!
Thank you, Laura!
LOVE THIS and so does my entire family! This will definitely be a go-to recipe moving forward! Thank you for sharing!!!
Thank you, Amanda! I am glad you liked this meatloaf recipe and enjoyed it.
I made this today and the flavor was great! Moreover it was overly easy to make. I loved it and so did my husband. This was a real winner!
Thank you for sharing your experience! I am glad you like this meatloaf recipe like we do.
This meatloaf was a hit! I followed the directions exactly. It sliced well with a warm knife, and the texture and crumb were perfect!
Hey Allie! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, I really appreciate it! Tatiana 🙂
Best and easiest scratch meatloaf ever. I followed this recipe completely and I have to say, this was delicious and the steps weren’t hard to follow. This will become a regular recipe at our house.
Hey Arielle! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, I really appreciate it! Tatiana 🙂
Made it today and devoured it! Everyone loved it though, easy to make and slice! I paired it with a side of garlic mashed potato’s and fresh green beans.
Hey Harley! Thank you for your feedback! I am glad you liked it!
Literally the most delicious meatloaf I’ve tried and so simple to make! Our entire family absolutely LOVED it.
Wow, that’s such a great compliment! I’m so happy to hear that this meatloaf recipe was the most delicious one you’ve tried and that your entire family loved it. Simplicity is key in cooking and I’m glad you appreciated how easy it was to make. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience, it means a lot.
This was my first time making meatloaf and it came out perfect. My son and husband love it! Thanks for a great recipe.
Hi Yuriko! I’m glad to hear that your first attempt at making meatloaf turned out perfectly and that your son and husband loved it! You’re very welcome, and thank you for trying out the recipe.
This recipe is a perfect combination of ingredients and incredibly delicious in addition to the step-by-step directions which were so helpful. Thank you for this easy recipe.
Hi Leoni! You’re very welcome, and thank you for trying out this easy recipe!