Ricotta and Pesto Meatloaf

Elevate your meatloaf game with this irresistible Ricotta and Pesto Meatloaf, a flavorful twist on the classic comfort dish. This recipe blends ground beef and pork with creamy ricotta cheese and aromatic basil pesto, creating a tender and moist centerpiece for any dinner table. A touch of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a hint of red pepper flakes add depth and richness, while breadcrumbs and a single egg bind it all together for the perfect texture. Baked to golden perfection, this meatloaf pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. Ready in just over an hour, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for family dinners or special occasions.

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground beef
• 0.5 lb Ground pork
• 0.5 cup Ricotta cheese
• 0.25 cup Basil pesto
• 0.75 cup Breadcrumbs
• 1 Egg
• 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 0.25 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp Olive oil, for greasing

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan with olive oil.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, ricotta cheese, basil pesto, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic.

Step 3

Add salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Mix the ingredients together with your hands or a large spoon until fully combined.

Step 4

Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan, pressing it down gently to create an even shape.

Step 5

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Step 6

Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Step 7

Slice and serve warm with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1039.5 grams (1039.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2744

Total Fat 197.40g	253%
Saturated Fat 71.30g	357%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.70g
Cholesterol 811mg	270%
Sodium 5021mg	218%
Total Carbohydrate 78.00g	28%
Dietary Fiber 3.70g	13%
Total Sugars 9.00g
Protein 181.00g	362%

Vitamin D 48IU	240%
Calcium 1122mg	86%
Iron 15mg	86%
Potassium 1609mg	34%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 63.2%

Protein: 25.7%

Carbs: 11.1%