Cheesy Italian Meatloaf

A good meatloaf never goes out of style, especially when it’s dressed up like this. This Cheesy Italian Meatloaf baked in a Bundt pan takes a beloved comfort food classic and gives it a beautiful presentation without any extra fuss. Loaded with savory Italian-style meatloaf flavors and melty cheese, it’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s special enough for Sunday supper yet easy enough for busy weeknights.

Cheesy Italian Meatloaf Recipe

I’ve had a lifelong love of meatloaf, and it’s been a regular on my family table for as long as I can remember. Our go-to is my homestyle favorite, simply called Delicious Meatloaf. During the holidays, I love serving Turkey Meatloaf Muffins topped with a swirl of mashed potatoes, and when we’re craving Tex-Mex flavors, Taco Meatloaf is always a hit. Another fun twist is Damaris Phillips’ Buffalo Chicken Meatloaf from Food Network.

One thing I’ve discovered over the years is that changing the shape of a classic dish can make it feel brand new. Baking meatloaf in a Bundt pan gives this humble comfort food a beautiful presentation that’s perfect for Sunday supper or sharing with company. Since I bake Bundt cakes all the time, it’s nice to have a savory reason to pull that trusty pan off the shelf, too.

Key ingredients you’ll need to make Cheesy Italian Meatloaf Recipe: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card and quantities.)

• Ground Meat – Ground beef forms the base of the meatloaf mixture.
• Veggies – Sweet onion and green bell pepper expand the flavor profile adding texture.
• Whole Egg – Egg stabilizes the meatloaf mixture.
• Breadcrumbs – Panko bread crumbs add bulk.
• Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a salty bite plus sliced mozzarella cheese.
• Tomato Sauce – Pasta sauce for the meatloaf adds moisture plus extra for serving.
• Fresh Herbs – Basil and fresh parsley for an earthy fresh flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce – Worcestershire sauce enhances the flavor of the beef.
• Spices – Dry Italian seasoning, steak seasoning, salt, minced fresh garlic.

How to Make Cheesy Italian Meatloaf Recipe in a Bundt Pan

• Heat Oven and Prepare Bundt Pan – Preheat the oven to 350°F. Liberally spray a bundt pan with cooking spray. Have nearby a foil lined sheet pan.
• Meatloaf Mixture – Mix together the ground beef, onion, green pepper, bread crumbs, Parmesan, pasta sauce, parsley, Worcestershire, Italian seasoning, steak seasoning, garlic and salt. Add eggs.
• Divide Meat Mixture – Using your hands mix until fully combined and the ingredients are evenly distributed. Divided in half.
• Assemble Meatloaf – Press 1/2 of meatloaf mixture into the prepared pan. Arrange the mozzarella cheese over the meatloaf then top with the remaining meatloaf mixture. Press evenly.
• Oven – Bake per the baking time in the recipe then drain liquid from bundt pan. Center foil lined sheet pan on top of pan then flip to invert meatloaf onto the pan.
• Cheese – Arrange cheese slices overlapping on top.
• Return to Oven – Increase oven temperature baking for an additional 15 minutes or until cooked through and cheese has melted.
• Stand Time – Rest on pan for 10 minutes then transfer to a platter or cake stand.
• Serve – Slice and serve with additional warm pasta sauce on the side.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Bundt Pan Meatloaf

• One standard size Bundt pan.
• Knife and chopping board.
• Cheese grater.
• Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
• Large bowl and medium bowl.
• Baking sheet pan.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Marinara Sauce – Use your favorite brand of spaghetti sauce or pasta sauce. If you prefer, once the meatloaf is inverted onto the sheet pan to finish baking, it can be topped with additional pasta sauce and then topped with sliced cheese.
• Protein – You could substitute one pound of Italian sausage in place of ground beef. Use spicy or sweet ground pork and brand of Italian sausage according to your taste.
• Use Lean Meat – When making meatloaf in a bundt pan, it’s important to start with a lean ground beef. While-baking cooking juices are released, and a leaner ground beef will hold its shape better.
• Cheese – You can use pecorino-romano cheese in place of Parmesan sliced provolone cheese in place of mozzarella cheese.
• Alternate Pan – You can also bake this like a traditional meatloaf in loaf form using a large loaf pan. 

Storage and Leftovers

• Make-Ahead Tip – To save time, you can fully assemble the meatloaf in the pan, cover and chill. Allow to sit on the counter for 15 minutes then bake.
• Storage – Store leftover Cheesy Italian Meatloaf in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave, in an air fryer or in a preheated 350 degree f oven on a sheet pan.
• Freezer – Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving. I recommend freezing in smaller portions and not a whole meatloaf to make it easier to reheat.

Southern Style Side Dishes to Serve with Cheesy Italian Meatloaf

The beauty of serving an Italian seasoned meatloaf is it goes equally well with pasta or homestyle favorites like mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese. Other dishes you may also like to try:

• The family will be delighted to enjoy a slice of Italian Cream Cake for dessert.
• Fettuccine Alfredo is made with a homemade alfredo sauce that’s super simple to make.
• Linguine with Roasted Vegetable Ragu is a terrific way to use fresh garden vegetables in a robust tomato sauce.
• Baked Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes is a delicious make ahead option.
• Roasted Asparagus with Balsamic Reduction is an elegant side dish that comes together with little fuss.
• Italian Spaghetti Salad is always a winning side dish to make.
• Garlic Parmesan Roasted Vegetables is easy enough for a weekday but impressive enough for company.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Bundt Pan
• Measuring Set
• Mixing Bowls
• Kitchen Utensils