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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the meatloaf.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
