Sicilian cuisine, with its rich flavors and hearty dishes, has always had a special place in the hearts of food lovers around the world. Today, we’re diving deep into the heart of Sicily with a classic dish that’s been given a delightful twist: Sicilian Meatloaf. This recipe isn’t just another meatloaf; it’s a celebration of Italian flavors, wrapped in a juicy, meaty roll that’s sure to become a new favorite in your home. Let’s embark on this culinary journey together, and bring a slice of Sicily right to your table.
Ingredients:
To start, you’ll need the following ingredients, which blend the savory with the aromatic, creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 3/4 cup Italian style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp parsley, freshly chopped
- About 1/4 lb deli ham
- 12-15 large basil leaves
- 1 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Marinara sauce for serving
- Cooked pasta or zucchini noodles, optional, for serving
Directions:
Follow these steps to create your Sicilian masterpiece:
- Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. This ensures that your meatloaf cooks evenly and acquires a beautiful, golden-brown crust.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and red pepper, sautéing them for about 5 minutes until the onions turn translucent. Add the garlic, cooking just until fragrant, then remove from heat to cool slightly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, eggs, tomato paste, salt, pepper, parsley, and the cooled vegetable mixture. Mix well to ensure that the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Form the Meatloaf: On a large sheet of parchment paper, pat the meat mixture into a rectangle about 8″x15″. Arrange a layer of ham, basil leaves, and mozzarella cheese on top, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Roll and Bake: Carefully roll up the meatloaf jelly roll style, using the parchment paper as a guide. Seal the ends to keep the filling inside. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 1 hour. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing, to ensure it holds its shape.
- Serve: This Sicilian Meatloaf is best served with a side of pasta or zucchini noodles, topped with a generous spoonful of warm marinara sauce. It’s a comforting, filling meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories: 502 kcal per serving
Final Thoughts:
This Sicilian Meatloaf recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a journey through the flavors and traditions of Sicilian cuisine. Whether you’re looking to shake up your weekly dinner routine or impress guests at your next gathering, this meatloaf is sure to be a hit. It’s a testament to the simple beauty of Italian cooking, where quality ingredients and a bit of love in the kitchen come together to create something truly special. Buon appetito!
Sicilian Meatloaf
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
3/4 cup Italian style breadcrumbs
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
2 eggs
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp parsley, chopped
About 1/4 lb deli ham
12-15 large basil leaves
1 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Marinara sauce
Cooked pasta or zucchini noodles, if desired
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add onion and red pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until onions are translucent.
Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan, eggs, tomato paste, salt, pepper, parsley, and vegetable mixture. Mix well.
On a large sheet of parchment paper, pat the meat mixture into a rectangle about 8″x15″.
Top with a layer of ham, basil leaves, and mozzarella cheese, leaving a 1-inch border.
Roll up jelly roll style, using the parchment to guide. Seal the ends.
Bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 1 hour. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve with pasta or zucchini noodles and marinara sauce.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes | Kcal: 502 kcal | Servings: 8 servings