Sicilian Meatloaf with Ham, Basil, and Mozzarella Recipe

Introduction

This Sicilian Meatloaf brings a delicious twist to a classic comfort food by layering savory ham, fresh basil, and melted mozzarella inside a flavorful beef mixture. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep with an Italian flair.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 lbs ground beef
• ¾ cup Italian style breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• About ¼ lb deli ham
• 12-15 large fresh basil leaves
• 1 ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Marinara sauce
• Cooked pasta or zucchini noodles, if desired

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the skillet.
4. Step 4: Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions become translucent.
5. Step 5: Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
6. Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat and let the vegetable mixture cool slightly.
7. Step 7: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, eggs, tomato paste, salt, pepper, chopped parsley, and the cooled vegetable mixture.
8. Step 8: Mix everything thoroughly using your hands until well combined.
9. Step 9: Lay out a large sheet of parchment paper on your countertop.
10. Step 10: Place the meat mixture in the center of the parchment paper.
11. Step 11: Pat and shape the mixture into a rectangle approximately 8 by 15 inches.
12. Step 12: Evenly layer the deli ham over the meat rectangle, then add a layer of whole basil leaves, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
13. Step 13: Starting at the 8-inch end, carefully roll the meatloaf like a jelly roll, using the parchment paper to help guide and tighten the roll.
14. Step 14: Press down along the top seam to seal, and press the ends together to close them as well.
15. Step 15: Transfer the rolled meatloaf onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
16. Step 16: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
17. Step 17: Remove from the oven, tent loosely with aluminum foil, and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
18. Step 18: Serve slices over cooked pasta or zucchini noodles, and top with warm marinara sauce if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, you can add a splash of milk to the meat mixture before shaping.
• Swap the deli ham for prosciutto or pancetta for a different flavor profile.
• Try adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the vegetable sauté for a more intense Mediterranean taste.
• If you prefer a spicier meatloaf, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm slices gently in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit or microwave until heated through. You can also freeze cooked meatloaf for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and assemble the roll a day ahead. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving to maintain freshness.

What can I serve with Sicilian Meatloaf?

This meatloaf pairs well with cooked pasta, zucchini noodles, or a simple green salad. Adding marinara sauce on top enhances the Italian flavors.

Sicilian Meatloaf with Ham, Basil, and Mozzarella Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 85 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Sicilian Meatloaf is a flavorful and hearty Italian-inspired dish that combines seasoned ground beef with sautéed vegetables, Parmesan, and fresh herbs. Rolled around layers of deli ham, fresh basil, and melted mozzarella, it bakes to perfection for a comforting meal. Serve it sliced over pasta or zucchini noodles and topped with marinara sauce for a true Italian experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatloaf Mixture

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 lbs ground beef
• ¾ cup Italian style breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Filling and Topping

• About ¼ lb deli ham
• 12–15 large fresh basil leaves
• 1 ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Marinara sauce, for serving

Serving Suggestions

• Cooked pasta or zucchini noodles, if desired

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the meatloaf.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper, and sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onions become translucent and soft.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Remove the skillet from heat and let the vegetable mixture cool slightly.
4. Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, tomato paste, salt, pepper, chopped parsley, and the cooled sautéed vegetable mixture. Use your hands to mix until everything is evenly combined.
5. Shape Meatloaf: Lay a large sheet of parchment paper flat on the counter. Place the meat mixture in the center and gently pat it into a rectangle approximately 8 by 15 inches.
6. Add Filling Layers: Evenly layer the deli ham over the meat rectangle, followed by the fresh basil leaves, and then the shredded mozzarella cheese, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges clear.
7. Roll Meatloaf: Starting at the 8-inch end, carefully roll the meatloaf up jelly-roll style using the parchment paper to help guide you. Press down firmly on the seam to seal and also press the ends together to enclose the filling fully.
8. Bake Meatloaf: Transfer the rolled meatloaf to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour until cooked through and browned on the outside.
9. Rest: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes; this helps retain juices and makes slicing easier.
10. Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve it over cooked pasta or zucchini noodles if desired. Top with marinara sauce for a delicious Italian finish.

Notes

• Resting the meatloaf before slicing helps keep it moist and prevents it from falling apart.
• You can substitute the deli ham with prosciutto or another cured meat for a different flavor profile.
• Use fresh Italian breadcrumbs for best texture, or pulse stale bread in a food processor to make your own.
• Leftover meatloaf slices make excellent sandwiches or cold cuts for lunch.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Sicilian meatloaf, Italian meatloaf, baked meatloaf, ground beef recipe, Italian dinner