Home Mains Italian Sausage Meatloaf with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
A plate featuring Italian Sausage Meatloaf topped with a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, served alongside roasted Brussels sprouts, garnished with fresh parsley.
1 hour 30 minutes Easy

Italian Sausage Meatloaf with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

Jump to Recipe

Few comfort foods can rival the homely warmth of a perfectly baked meatloaf. This Italian Sausage Meatloaf takes the beloved classic to new heights, infusing every bite with bold, aromatic flavors of Italian-inspired cuisine. Topped with a rich, tangy, and Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings where you want to impress with minimal effort.

A flavorful foundation is built on a blend of ground Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, onion, and Parmesan cheese. When seasoned with fresh herbs such as parsley, oregano, and basil, these ingredients form a juicy, tender meatloaf rich in Italian herb goodness. Adding heavy cream guarantees a moist texture, while a hint of paprika brings a gentle warmth that enhances the robust flavor sausage.

But the star of this dish is undoubtedly the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce. This sauce, made with sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, combines the tangy, slightly sweet notes of the tomatoes with a velvety creaminess that enhances the dish. Parmesan cheese boosts the umami flavors, while a hint of lemon juice brightens the richness. Whether drizzled generously over the meatloaf or used as a dipping sauce for roasted vegetables, the sauce adds a luxurious finish to an already delicious meal meal.

Not only is this recipe a comfort food favorite, but it’s also a practical choice for busy cooks. The easy meatloaf recipe is simple to prepare, and the ingredients are easily sourced. With just a few minutes of prep and hands-off baking time, this dish allows you to relax while your kitchen fills with the inviting aromas of Italian-inspired comfort food.


SUGGESTED RECIPE: Sun-dried Tomato and Basil Tagliatelle

Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Tagliatelle served on a plate, featuring creamy pasta coated in a rich sun-dried tomato sauce, garnished with fresh basil, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese

Serve the Italian Sausage Meatloaf alongside your favorite sides to create a complete meal. Roasted vegetables, like Brussels sprouts, creamy mashed potatoes, or a light arugula salad, are excellent pairings that round out the meal without overshadowing the bold flavors of the meatloaf and sauce.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinner game and wow their guests at the dinner table. It’s a fantastic way to explore the versatility of ground sausage recipes and add variety to your usual lineup. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Italian flavors or simply craving a hearty dish with a gourmet edge, this meatloaf delivers on all fronts.

Why You’ll Love This Dish:

  • Rich Italian Flavors: Every element screams Italian-inspired comfort from the Italian sausage to the fresh herbs to the creamy tomato sauce.
  • Quick and Easy: While it tastes gourmet, this meatloaf is incredibly simple to prepare.
  • Versatile: Perfect for weeknight meals, meal prep, or impressing dinner guests.
  • Customizable: Add vegetables like grated zucchini to the meatloaf for extra moisture, or spice up the sauce with a pinch of red pepper flakes.

This Italian meatloaf dinner idea is a reminder that even classic comfort foods can be elevated with the right ingredients and a touch of creativity. Try this recipe today and bring the taste of Italy into your home with ease!

Italian Sausage Meatloaf with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

Recipe by Kyle Taylor
5.0 from 2 votes
Cuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

1

hour 
Total time

1

hour 

30

minutes

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italian Sausage Meatloaf, packed with herbs and spices and a luxurious Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce. This hearty dish brings bold Italian-inspired tastes to your table, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

  • For the Meatloaf
  • 2 pounds ground Italian sausage

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs

  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

  • 1 egg

  • 1 small onion, finely diced

  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced

  • 2 tablespoons parsley, freshly chopped

  • 1 tablespoon basil, freshly chopped

  • 1 tablespoon oregano, freshly chopped

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

  • For the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil)

  • 1 tablespoon reserved sun-dried tomato oil

  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed

  • to taste, salt and ground black pepper

  • for garnish, freshly chopped parsley

Directions

  • Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or baking dish.
  • Make the Meatloaf Mixture:
    Combine the ground Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, egg, onion, garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix gently until evenly incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
  • Shape and Bake:
    Shape the mixture into a greased loaf or baking dish, and place it in the oven. Bake for 60 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  • Prepare the Sauce:
    Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
  • Simmer the Sauce:
    Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the broth reduces slightly. Reduce the heat to low and mix in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and paprika. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the cream is heated through and the cheese is melted. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
  • Serve:
    Slice the meatloaf and place it on a serving plate. Spoon the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce generously over the slices. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve alongside roasted vegetables.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*