The Best Sicilian Meatloaf Recipe for Family Dinner Success

Sicilian meatloaf brings a symphony of Mediterranean flavors that dance across your palate with remarkable intensity.

Bold spices and traditional techniques revolutionize an ordinary dish into a culinary masterpiece that speaks to generations of family cooking.

Regional ingredients merge seamlessly, creating a rich tapestry of taste that reflects centuries-old culinary traditions.

Each carefully selected component contributes depth and character to this beloved comfort food.

The robust blend of herbs and carefully balanced seasonings elevates this classic preparation beyond simple home cooking.

Hearty and satisfying, this recipe represents more than just a meal—it’s a connection to cultural heritage and familial warmth.

Passionate cooks understand that true magic happens when ingredients are treated with respect and enthusiasm.

Sicilian Meatloaf with Sun‑Dried Tomatoes and Herbs

• Burst with Sicilian Flavor: This meatloaf packs a punch of authentic Mediterranean taste with layers of ham, basil, and mozzarella creating a delightful flavor explosion in every bite.
• Master a Stunning Presentation: Rolling the meat into a beautiful jelly roll style transforms an ordinary meatloaf into an impressive, restaurant-worthy dish that will wow dinner guests and family alike.
• Convenient Meal Prep Champion: With just 30 minutes of prep time and simple ingredients, this recipe delivers a hearty, satisfying meal that easily feeds a crowd of eight without complicated cooking techniques.
• Versatile Dining Delight: Perfectly paired with pasta or zucchini noodles and marinara sauce, this meatloaf offers flexible serving options that can suit different dietary preferences and meal styles.

Ingredients for Sicilian Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: Rich, flavorful base for the meatloaf with good fat content for juiciness.
• Deli Ham: Adds a salty, savory layer inside the meatloaf for extra flavor complexity.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the meatloaf together and provides structure.

• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, stretchy texture inside the meatloaf.

• Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweet, fresh flavor and bright color to the meatloaf.
• Red Onion: Provides aromatic base with mild, slightly sharp taste.
• Garlic: Intense, pungent flavor that is essential in Italian-style dishes.
• Basil Leaves: Fresh herb that brings a classic Mediterranean fragrance and taste.
• Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that adds color and light herbal notes.

• Olive Oil: Traditional Italian cooking fat with rich, smooth flavor.
• Italian Style Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatloaf and adds texture.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the overall taste.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all other flavors in the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the meatloaf.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian sauce for serving alongside the meatloaf.
• Cooked Pasta or Zucchini Noodles

Baking Guide for Sicilian Meatloaf

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

• Onion
• Red pepper

Sauté for about 5 minutes until onions become soft and translucent.

Step 3: Add Aromatic Garlic

Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 4: Create Meat Mixture

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Eggs
• Tomato paste
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Chopped parsley
• Cooled vegetable mixture

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 5: Shape the Meat Base

Lay out a large sheet of parchment paper. Spread the meat mixture into a rectangular shape, approximately 8 inches by 15 inches.

Step 6: Layer Filling Ingredients

• Thin ham slices
• Fresh basil leaves
• Shredded mozzarella cheese

Leave a 1-inch border around the edges.

Step 7: Roll and Seal

Using the parchment paper as a guide, carefully roll the meat into a jelly roll shape. Pinch and seal the ends to prevent filling from escaping.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the rolled meatloaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.

Step 9: Rest and Slice

Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the meatloaf and serve alongside pasta or zucchini noodles. Top with marinara sauce for an authentic Sicilian experience.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Calories: 502 kcal

Servings: 8

Tips for Moist, Flavorful Sicilian Meatloaf

• Seal Edges Securely: Pinch the ends of the meatloaf tightly to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
• Choose Quality Meat: Select ground beef with 85% lean meat for optimal moisture and flavor in your meatloaf.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Chop fresh parsley and basil just before adding to maximize their aromatic qualities and taste.
• Rest Before Slicing: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after baking to help it set and make cutting easier.
• Layer Fillings Evenly: Spread ham, basil, and mozzarella uniformly to ensure each slice has a balanced mix of ingredients.

Storage and Reheating Sicilian Meatloaf

Store in Airtight Container: Wrap leftover meatloaf slices tightly in plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to maintain moisture and prevent refrigerator odors.

Refrigerate Quickly: Cool meatloaf completely within 2 hours of cooking, then store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to preserve freshness and food safety.

Reheat with Care: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or place in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through, adding a splash of marinara sauce to keep the meat juicy and prevent drying out.

Side Pairings for Sicilian Meatloaf

• Pair with Bold Italian Red Wine: Choose a robust Chianti or Nero d'Avola that complements the rich, savory flavors of the meatloaf, cutting through its meaty texture and enhancing the herb and cheese notes.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Toss together a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty meatloaf, adding brightness and acidity that refreshes the palate between bites.
• Match with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a colorful mix of roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant seasoned with Italian herbs, providing a light and nutritious accompaniment that echoes the Mediterranean flavors of the dish.
• Serve with Creamy Polenta: Whip up a smooth, cheesy polenta as a soft, comforting base that soaks up the marinara sauce and provides a delightful contrast to the meatloaf's dense texture.

Variations on Sicilian Meatloaf

• Mediterranean Lamb Fusion: Swap ground beef with ground lamb, add mint leaves, and incorporate feta cheese for a Greek-inspired meatloaf that brings Mediterranean flavors to your plate.
• Spicy Chorizo Infusion: Replace half the ground beef with chorizo sausage, mix in roasted jalapeños, and use pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, Spanish-influenced version with extra kick.
• Vegetarian Stuffed Lentil Roll: Substitute meat with a blend of cooked lentils, quinoa, and mushrooms, keeping the same rolling technique and cheese filling for a protein-packed plant-based alternative.
• Italian Sausage Remix: Use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage, add sun-dried tomatoes inside the roll, and sprinkle additional Italian herbs for an even more robust flavor profile.

Sicilian Meatloaf Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Sicilian meatloaf blends rustic Mediterranean flavors with rich ground meats, herbs, and cheese. Delightful comfort emerges from this traditional Italian dish that brings family and friends together around a satisfying, aromatic centerpiece you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Protein Base:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• ¼ pound deli ham
• 2 eggs

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

• ¾ cup Italian style breadcrumbs
• ½ cup parmesan cheese
• 1 ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

Aromatic Vegetables:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 12–15 large basil leaves

Additional Serving Suggestions:

• Marinara sauce
• Cooked pasta or zucchini noodles, if desired

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature of 350 degrees fahrenheit, ensuring an even cooking environment.
2. In a skillet, warm olive oil and sauté diced onions and vibrant red peppers over medium heat until the onions become translucent and soft, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Introduce minced garlic to the vegetable mixture, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the ingredients. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
4. Combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, whisked eggs, rich tomato paste, seasoning, chopped parsley, and the cooled vegetable medley in a spacious mixing bowl.
5. Thoroughly incorporate all ingredients, ensuring an even distribution of flavors and textures.
6. Lay out a sheet of parchment paper and gently spread the meat mixture into a rectangular shape, approximately 8 inches by 15 inches.
7. Layer thin slices of ham across the meat base, followed by fresh basil leaves and shredded mozzarella cheese, maintaining a one-inch border around the edges.
8. Carefully roll the meat mixture into a compact log, using the parchment paper as a guide to create a tight, uniform shape.
9. Seal the ends of the roll to prevent filling from escaping during cooking.
10. Transfer the meatloaf onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and place in the preheated oven.
11. Bake for one hour, allowing the meat to cook thoroughly and develop a rich, golden exterior.
12. Once cooked, remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
13. Slice the meatloaf and serve alongside pasta or zucchini noodles, complemented by a vibrant marinara sauce.

Notes

• Rolling the meat with ham, basil, and melty mozzarella transforms a classic comfort food into a gourmet experience that will impress family and friends.
• Parchment paper becomes your secret weapon for creating a perfect jelly roll-style meatloaf.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg