SICILIAN MEATLOAF

PREP TIME: 30 MINS | COOK TIME: 1 HR | ADDITIONAL TIME: 10 MINS | TOTAL TIME: 1 HR 40 MINS | YIELD: 8

This is the best meatloaf I’ve made. Perfect for weeknight dinner and impressive enough to serve to guests. Enjoy a slice over pasta or zucchini noodles with marinara sauce on top.

Ingredients

2 Eggs

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

1 small red onion, finely chopped

2 pounds ground beef

about 1/4 pound deli ham

12-15 large basil leaves

1/2 c. Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons tomato paste

2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

1 1/4 c. either shredded mozzarella cheese

3/4 c. Italian style breadcrumbs

cooked pasta or zucchini noodles, if desired

marinara sauce

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

How to make Sicilian Meatloaf

Step 1: Prepare the oven. Preheat it to 350 degrees.

Step 2: In a medium skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the onion and red pepper to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are translucent. Then, add the garlic and continue to cook until aromatic. Take the pan off the heat and let the mixture cool for a little.

Step 3: Place the ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan, eggs, tomato paste, salt, pepper, parsley, and vegetable mixture in a large mixing bowl. Mix with your hands until well combined.

Step 4: Lay a large sheet of parchment paper on the counter. In the middle, place the meat mixture and pat to make about 8 x 15-inch rectangle.

Step 5: Add a layer of ham over the meat mixture, then a layer of basil and cheese. Make sure to leave about a 1-inch border around.

Step 6: Roll the meatloaf up beginning at the 8-inch end. Use the parchment paper as a guide. To seal, press the seam and ends down.

Step 7: On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, place the meatloaf. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour. Remove from the oven when done and let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes.

Step 8: Slice and serve over pasta or zucchini noodles. Top with marinara sauce if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts:

YIELD: 8 SERVING SIZE: 1
Amount Per Serving: CALORIES: 502 | TOTAL FAT: 28g | SATURATED FAT: 11g | TRANS FAT: 1g | UNSATURATED FAT: 13g | CHOLESTEROL: 167mg | SODIUM: 876mg | CARBOHYDRATES: 18g | FIBER: 1g | SUGAR: 3g | PROTEIN: 43g