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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature of 350 degrees fahrenheit, ensuring an even cooking environment.
- 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.
- Introduce minced garlic to the vegetable mixture, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the ingredients. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- 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.
- Thoroughly incorporate all ingredients, ensuring an even distribution of flavors and textures.
- Lay out a sheet of parchment paper and gently spread the meat mixture into a rectangular shape, approximately 8 inches by 15 inches.
- 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.
- Carefully roll the meat mixture into a compact log, using the parchment paper as a guide to create a tight, uniform shape.
- Seal the ends of the roll to prevent filling from escaping during cooking.
- Transfer the meatloaf onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and place in the preheated oven.
- Bake for one hour, allowing the meat to cook thoroughly and develop a rich, golden exterior.
- Once cooked, remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- 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