Pizza Meatloaf Recipe
Light Summer Pizza Meatloaf Recipe for One: A Single-Serve Twist on a Comfort Classic
Growing up in an Italian-American household, meatloaf was our Sunday standby. But summers? Oh, those were for pizza nights on the porch, with basil leaves still warm from the garden. This recipe blends both traditions into a single-serving, summer-perfect meal: a light pizza meatloaf recipe made just for you.
Forget heavy, dense loaves and ketchup glazes — this version is packed with fresh herbs, lean ground turkey, and topped with gooey mozzarella and a garden-bright marinara. It’s comfort food with a sunny twist.
Why You’ll Love This Pizza Meatloaf Recipe
- Perfect for one — no waste, no leftovers
- Lighter than traditional beef-based meatloaf
- Summer-friendly with fresh basil, tomatoes, and mozzarella
- Quick prep and cooks in under 30 minutes
- Tastes like pizza, but it’s secretly healthy!
Ingredients (1 Serving)
Here’s what you’ll need for your single-serve pizza meatloaf recipe:
For the Meatloaf Base:
- 4 oz lean ground turkey or chicken
- 1 tbsp finely diced red onion
- 1 tbsp finely chopped bell pepper (any color)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh basil
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp milk or unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 2 tbsp marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 slice part-skim mozzarella or 2 tbsp shredded
- A few slices of mini pepperoni or sautéed mushrooms (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Prep & Cook Time
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 mins |
| Cook Time | 20 mins |
| Total Time | 30 mins |
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small ramekin or oven-safe mini loaf pan.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, red onion, bell pepper, garlic, basil, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, milk, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined — don’t overwork the meat.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
Press the mixture into your prepared ramekin or mini loaf pan. Bake for 15 minutes, uncovered.
Step 4: Add the Pizza Topping
Remove from the oven and spoon the marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle with mozzarella and your choice of mini pepperoni or mushrooms.
Return to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Let it cool slightly. Top with fresh basil leaves and serve with a crisp green salad or roasted summer vegetables.
Pairing Suggestions
This pizza meatloaf recipe is rich in flavor but light enough for a warm day. Here are perfect summer pairings:
- Simple Arugula Salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Grilled zucchini or asparagus
- A chilled rosé or sparkling water with lemon
Tips and Tricks
- Make it low-carb: Skip the breadcrumbs and use almond flour or flax meal.
- Boost the veggies: Add chopped spinach or grated zucchini to the meat mixture.
- Go dairy-free: Use vegan cheese shreds and almond milk.
- Craving heat? Add a dash of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Variations on the Pizza Meatloaf Recipe
One of the best things about this pizza meatloaf recipe is how easy it is to customize.
Vegetarian Version
Replace turkey with a lentil-walnut mixture or plant-based ground meat, and use dairy-free cheese.
BBQ Chicken Style
Swap marinara with a smoky barbecue sauce and add cheddar instead of mozzarella.
Caprese-Inspired
Add cherry tomato halves and a balsamic glaze drizzle post-bake.
Storage & Reheating
Since this recipe serves just one, leftovers are rare — but if you double it:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
FAQ: Pizza Meatloaf Recipe
Can I double or triple this recipe?
Yes! Simply multiply the ingredients and shape into individual loaves or use a standard loaf pan.
Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Freeze the unbaked loaf for up to 2 months, thaw overnight, and bake as directed.
Is this gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to make it GF.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If this summer pizza meatloaf recipe hits the spot, check out these too:
Final Thoughts
Who says comfort food has to be heavy? This single-serve, light pizza meatloaf recipe proves you can enjoy your favorite flavors — melty cheese, tangy sauce, fresh basil — without turning on the AC full blast or ending up with a week of leftovers.
Try this recipe next time you’re craving pizza and meatloaf. You might just fall in love with this sunny mashup of two classic dishes!
Now it’s your turn:
What toppings would you put on your pizza meatloaf? Leave a comment and let’s swap summer dinner ideas!