Meatloaf is the classic dinner that most of us can remember fondly from childhood into the present. But, there are number of ways to spice up this American staple. Beginning in the 1930s meatloaf recipes gained traction with housewives because you could stretch your meat by adding breadcrumbs or oatmeal and you could also mix meats.
A lot recipes from that era into the 1960s didn’t have a lot spices or flavorings. While some folks might prefer it that way I love a good shake up when it comes to dishes like this one. All that yummy flavor is what keeps me coming back in bite after bite. And, this pepperoni pizza meatloaf does that perfectly.
By combining some elements of pepperoni pizza -sliced pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, some green pepper, and plenty of Italian seasonings- you end up with a very pizza-like meatloaf that’s tender and full of flavor.
As with any meatloaf you pour everything into a bowl and mix it up, then form it into a loaf pan. For extra yumminess we’re using Italian seasoned bread crumbs and some fresh parsley. You’d be surprised what a difference a few extra ingredients can make to the final flavor. It’s a lot fresher than “plain” meatloaf and a more dynamic flavor, too.
Afte the first bake top this special meatloaf with cheese and some more pepperoni then pop it back into the oven for a bit.
If you’re looking for a way to liven up your meatloaf then look no further than this pizza-inspired recipe. It makes dinner extra tasty!
Pepperoni Pizza Meatloaf
Yield(s): 8 servings
20m prep time
1h 15m cook time
316 calories
For the meatloaf:
- 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 white onion, diced
- 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup pizza sauce
- 1 clove garlic, pressed
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 20 pepperoni slices, cut into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the topping:
- 2 tablespoons pizza sauce
- Italian seasoning to taste
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella
- 15 pepperoni slices
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350˚F. Combine meatloaf ingredients and press into 8”x5” loaf pan.
- Place loaf pan on larger pan that’s been lined to catch and drips.
- Bake for 55 minutes, then remove from oven. If there is grease in the loaf pan remove it with a spoon. Brush pizza sauce for topping over loaf and then sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Add 1/4 cup cheese on top and then place pepperoni over cheese. Return to oven for 20 minutes or until browned on top.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes then slice into 8 equal pieces to serve.
Recipe adapted from Drizzle Me Skinny.