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Sicilian Meatloaf

Sicilian Meatloaf: Comfort Food with Italian Flair

Sicilian Meatloaf combines tender beef, savory deli ham, and gooey mozzarella into a delicious rolled dish that's perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatloaf
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Adds moisture and flavor during sautéing; substitute with any neutral oil.
  • 1 cup Red Bell Pepper Provides sweetness and color; can be replaced with green bell pepper or omitted.
  • 1 cup Red Onion Enhances savory depth; yellow onion or shallots work well as substitutes.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Adds aromatic flavor; fresh garlic is best, though dried can be used in a pinch.
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Serves as the protein base; ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter option.
  • 1 cup Italian Style Breadcrumbs Provides structure and absorbs moisture; gluten-free options can be substituted.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Contributes a salty, umami flavor; consider Reggiano or Romano as alternatives.
  • 2 large Eggs Acts as a binding agent; flax eggs or applesauce can be used for a vegan substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Adds depth and moisture; ketchup can serve as a substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances overall flavors; adjust to taste for low-sodium diets.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Adds spiciness; white pepper can be substituted for a milder flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Parsley Freshens the flavor profile; dried parsley can be used in a pinch.
For the Filling
  • 8 slices Deli Ham Adds a savory element; turkey or chicken deli slices can be used as substitutes.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Leaves Lends aromatic herbal notes; use dried basil sparingly as a backup.
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Provides creaminess and gooey texture; can replace with provolone or fontina.
For Serving
  • 2 cups Marinara Sauce Enhances flavor and presentation; both homemade and store-bought options are perfect.
  • 4 servings Cooked Pasta or Zucchini Noodles Serves as the base; opt for gluten-free pasta or omit for a low-carb style.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Parchment paper
  • Baking Sheet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Sicilian Meatloaf
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, pour in a splash of olive oil and add diced red onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
  4. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, and parsley. Stir in the cooled sautéed vegetables.
  5. Transfer the meat mixture to parchment paper and shape into a rectangle about 8"x15".
  6. Layer with deli ham, basil leaves, and mozzarella cheese, leaving a border around the edges.
  7. Roll the meatloaf away from you using the parchment paper. Pinch the ends to seal.
  8. Place seam-side down on a lined baking sheet.
  9. Bake for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
  10. Let rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving over pasta or zucchini noodles with marinara sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 24gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For best results, use 93% lean ground beef and allow sautéed veggies to cool before mixing into the meat mixture.

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