Easy Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf (Juicy & Flavor-Packed)

If you love cozy, comfort-food dinners that feel homemade and satisfying, this Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf is about to become a favorite. It’s rich, juicy, and packed with garlicky flavor, plus that savory parmesan cheese takes it to a whole new level.

I love this recipe because it feels classic but a little elevated. It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight, yet special enough to serve when you want something comforting and impressive without extra effort. No fancy steps, no complicated ingredients—just real, delicious food.

This Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf comes together quickly, bakes up tender and flavorful, and fills your kitchen with the most amazing aroma. It’s one of those dinners everyone asks for again—and yes, the leftovers are even better the next day.

More Recipes

• Mince and Cheese Pie
• Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
• Parmesan-Roasted Broccoli

INGREDIENTS

For the Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf

• 1 ½ lb (680 g) ground beef
• 1 cup (60 g) breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
• ¾ cup (75 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon / 9 g)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk
• 1 small onion, finely diced (about ½ cup / 75 g)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) ketchup
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
• ½ teaspoon (2 g) black pepper
• 1 teaspoon (1 g) Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil

Optional Topping

• ¼ cup (60 ml) ketchup
• 2 tablespoons (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until soft and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, milk, cooked onion and garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4. Gently mix everything together using your hands or a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix, or the meatloaf may turn dense instead of juicy.
5. Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and gently shape it into an even loaf.
6. Spread the optional ketchup evenly over the top, then sprinkle with the extra Parmesan cheese for a golden, flavorful crust.
7. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
8. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices stay locked in.

TIPS & VARIATIONS

Make this Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf your own

• Keep it juicy: Avoid overmixing the meat. Mix just until everything comes together to keep the Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf tender and moist.
• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef. Choose 93% lean and add 1 extra tablespoon (15 ml) milk if needed for moisture.
• Extra cheesy version: Mix in an additional ¼ cup (25 g) shredded mozzarella or provolone for a gooier texture.
• Low-carb option: Replace breadcrumbs with ¾ cup (45 g) almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly twist.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the meatloaf up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best results.
• Storage tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

SERVING IDEAS

How to serve Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf

• Serve this Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and a drizzle of gravy for the ultimate comfort-food dinner.
• Pair it with roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots for a balanced, cozy meal.
• Slice the meatloaf and serve it over buttered egg noodles or fluffy rice to soak up all those savory juices.
• Turn leftovers into the best sandwich ever—warm slices on toasted bread with melted provolone and a little extra garlic butter.
• This recipe works perfectly for weeknight dinners, Sunday family meals, or even meal prep for busy weeks.

FAQs

Recipe

Yield: 1 meatloaf

Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf

Print

This Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf is juicy, cheesy, and packed with rich garlic flavor. It’s an easy comfort-food dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lb (680 g) ground beef
• 1 cup (60 g) breadcrumbs
• ¾ cup (75 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon / 9 g)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk
• 1 small onion, finely diced (about ½ cup / 75 g)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) ketchup
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
• ½ teaspoon (2 g) black pepper
• 1 teaspoon (1 g) Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil

Optional Topping

• ¼ cup (60 ml) ketchup
• 2 tablespoons (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
   
2. Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
   
3. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, milk, cooked onion and garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
   
4. Gently mix until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
   
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan and shape evenly.
   
6. Spread ketchup on top if using, then sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese.
   
7. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
   
8. Rest the meatloaf for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Letting the meatloaf rest keeps it juicy and easy to slice.

Leftovers store well and taste even better the next day.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1 slice
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 420Carbohydrates: 12g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients used.

I really hope you try this Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf soon, because it’s one of those cozy, feel-good dinners that never disappoints. It’s simple, flavorful, and made with everyday ingredients that come together in the most comforting way.

If you make this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest so you can come back to it anytime those comfort-food cravings hit. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even meal prep for the week ahead.

I’d love to hear how your Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf turns out! Leave a comment, share your tips, or tell me how you served it. Happy cooking 🤍