Name: Sicilian Meatloaf with Ham, Basil, and Mozzarella Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
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

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Introduction

Sicilian Meatloaf is a flavorful twist on the classic comfort dish, featuring layers of ham, fresh basil, and mozzarella cheese rolled inside a seasoned ground beef mixture. This recipe creates a tender, savory loaf that’s perfect for a hearty family dinner.

A white plate holds one thick slice of a rolled meatloaf filled with green leafy spinach and melted white cheese, showing a spiral pattern of brown meat and green inside. The meatloaf slice is placed on a bed of rich, chunky red tomato sauce with visible small bits of tomatoes and spices. To the side, there is a small stack of pale green spiralized zucchini noodles, fresh and slightly shiny. The dish is sprinkled with grated cheese and chopped green herbs on top, adding texture and color contrast. The surface under the plate is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
Step 3: Add finely chopped red onion and red bell pepper to the skillet.
Step 4: Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onions become translucent.
Step 5: Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Step 6: Remove skillet from heat and allow the vegetable mixture to cool slightly.
Step 7: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, eggs, tomato paste, salt, pepper, chopped parsley, and the cooled vegetable mixture.
Step 8: Mix all ingredients thoroughly by hand until well combined.
Step 9: Lay a large sheet of parchment paper on your counter.
Step 10: Place the meat mixture in the center of the parchment paper and shape it into a rectangle approximately 8 by 15 inches.
Step 11: Layer deli ham evenly over the meat rectangle, followed by a layer of whole basil leaves, then spread shredded mozzarella cheese on top, leaving a 1-inch border along the edges.
Step 12: Starting at the 8-inch end, carefully roll the meatloaf jelly-roll style using the parchment paper to help guide you.
Step 13: Press down along the seam to seal it and pinch the ends together to close them.
Step 14: Place the rolled meatloaf seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 15: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
Step 16: Remove the meatloaf from the oven, tent it loosely with aluminum foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Step 17: Serve slices over cooked pasta or zucchini noodles, topped with marinara sauce if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh herbs like oregano or thyme in place of parsley for a different flavor profile.
For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
Make sure not to overmix the meat to keep the loaf tender and juicy.
To reduce calories, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze sliced meatloaf for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A gray plate holds a thick slice of rolled meatloaf with visible layers of ground meat, green herbs, and slices of ham or similar meat inside, sitting on a bed of chunky red tomato sauce. To the left of the meatloaf there are spiralized pale green and white zucchini noodles, lightly coated and mixed with small bits of green herbs. The dish is sprinkled with grated cheese and chopped green herbs on top. The plate is placed on a white marbled textured surface, with part of another similar plate visible at the top right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this meatloaf in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the meatloaf the day before, keep it covered in the refrigerator, and bake it fresh when ready to serve.

What can I serve with Sicilian meatloaf?

This meatloaf pairs well with pasta, zucchini noodles, a crisp salad, or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.