3 slices (1 ounce each) whole wheat bread, torn into very small pieces
1¼ cups milk
2 pounds ground beef chuck
1 small onion, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
¼ cup store-bought marinara sauce
Coarse salt and ground pepper
Preparation Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375˚.
Place the bread crumbs in a bowl and pour the milk over, allow to soak while you get the other ingredients together.
Next combine the ground beef, onion, garlic, parsley, egg, thyme, oregano and marinara sauce in a bowl and mix to combine. I just use my hands, it's easier than a spoon.
Then add the bread crumbs and all the milk and 2 teaspoons kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
Once the mixture is all combined, place on a rimmed baking sheet (I lined mine with a silpat, parchment paper would work as well) and shape into a loaf about 2½ inches thick.
Bake until a meat thermometer inserted in the center registers 160˚, about 30-35 minutes.
Allow the meatloaf to rest about 10 minutes before serving. TO MAKE THIS A FREEZER MEAL
This is awesome. So make the meatloaf mixture and then place it in a gallon ziptop bag, shape it in the bag, and then freeze it.
When ready to eat, remove from the bag and stick it in the crockpot on low for 10 hours.
NOTE: The original recipe recommended pouring an additional 1½ cups of marinara sauce over the top about half way through baking, but since my whole family loves putting ketchup on theirs I decided against doing that and so I didn't include it in the instructions but feel free to give it a try if that sounds good to ya!
Recipe by Foods of Our Lives at https://www.foodsofourlives.com/2011/11/classic-italian-style-meatloaf/