Savory Sicilian Meatloaf Recipe: A Homestyle Italian Comfort

Hearty and robust, this sicilian meatloaf recipe delivers a burst of Mediterranean flavors that dance across your palate.

Generations of Italian cooks have perfected this savory dish, blending traditional spices with local ingredients.

Herbs from sun-drenched slopes infuse each bite with incredible depth and character.

The blend of ground meats creates a rich, tender texture that melts in your mouth.

Breadcrumbs and pecorino cheese add a delightful complexity that sets this meatloaf apart from ordinary versions.

Fragrant garlic and fresh parsley provide a bright, aromatic finish to this classic comfort food.

You’ll want to serve this meatloaf with a crisp salad and crusty bread to complete the delicious Mediterranean experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 7

Sicilian Meatloaf: Everything You Need

• Ground Beef: Rich protein foundation that gives the meatloaf its hearty texture, choose lean cuts for less grease.
• Eggs: Natural binding agent that helps hold ingredients together and adds moisture.
• Italian Style Breadcrumbs: Provides structure and helps absorb moisture, select fine-textured breadcrumbs for smooth consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth and helps create a tender meatloaf texture.

• Red Bell Pepper, Red Onion: Brings vibrant sweetness and crisp texture, select firm and brightly colored vegetables.
• Garlic: Delivers intense, sharp flavor, choose fresh cloves for most robust taste.
• Parsley: Offers fresh, herbal brightness, pick bright green leaves without wilting.
• Basil Leaves: Introduces sweet, peppery undertones, select fresh, fragrant leaves.
• Deli Ham: Contributes rich, salty character, opt for high-quality, thinly sliced ham.

• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds subtle fruity note.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates savory depth, select rich dark paste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for balanced flavor profile.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates creamy, melty topping, choose freshly shredded for best melting.
• Marinara Sauce: Provides tangy, complementary sauce.
• Pasta or Zucchini Noodles: Optional serving base for hearty meal.

Equipment Checklist for Sicilian Meatloaf

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all meat and vegetable ingredients thoroughly.
• Medium Skillet: Perfect for sautéing onions and red peppers until soft and translucent.
• Parchment Paper: Crucial for rolling the meatloaf and preventing sticking during baking.
• Baking Sheet: Provides stable surface for cooking the rolled meatloaf evenly.
• Chef's Knife: Needed for chopping ingredients like onions, garlic, and herbs.
• Cutting Board: Supports knife work and keeps kitchen surfaces clean.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for consistent results.

Step-by-Step Guide to Make Sicilian Meatloaf

Sicilian Meatloaf Magic

• Kitchen Prep

Get all ingredients ready and preheat the oven to a cozy 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

• Veggie Sauté

Warm some olive oil in a skillet and dance those onions and red peppers around until they’re soft and fragrant. Toss in garlic for a quick flavor boost, then let the mixture cool down.

• Meat Mixture Moment

In a big bowl, combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, parmesan, eggs, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix everything together with your hands, feeling the ingredients blend.

• Flavor Layers

Spread the meat mixture on parchment paper into a wide rectangle. Create a delicious landscape by layering ham, fresh basil leaves, and mozzarella cheese, leaving a small border around the edges.

• Rolling Technique

Carefully roll the meat like a delicate jelly roll, using the parchment paper as your guide. Gently seal the ends to keep all those amazing flavors tucked inside.

• Baking Perfection

Slide the rolled meatloaf into the oven and bake for about an hour. Let it rest for 10 minutes after cooking to lock in all the juicy goodness.

• Serving Suggestion

Slice and serve alongside pasta or zucchini noodles with a generous splash of marinara sauce. Watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight!

Tips and Variations for Sicilian Meatloaf

• Flavor Boost: Add a splash of red wine to the sautéed vegetables for deeper, richer taste that elevates the entire meatloaf's complexity.
• Cheese Swap: Experiment with different Italian cheeses like provolone or ricotta for unique flavor profiles that complement the Sicilian-style filling.
• Lean Protein Option: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version that still delivers incredible taste and texture.
• Herb Garden Twist: Incorporate fresh herbs like oregano or thyme into the meat mixture to enhance the Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile and bring brightness to each bite.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the meatloaf up to a day in advance and refrigerate before baking, allowing flavors to meld and making meal prep super convenient for busy families.

How to Serve Sicilian Meatloaf with Style

• Rustic Italian Feast: Serve this meatloaf alongside creamy polenta or garlic-roasted potatoes for a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug from Sicily.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich flavors with a glass of robust Chianti or Nero d'Avola, bringing out the depth of the mozzarella and herbs.
• Mediterranean Side Salad: Toss together a fresh salad with crisp arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the meatloaf's richness and add a zesty contrast.
• Family-Style Presentation: Slice the meatloaf on a large wooden board, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and let everyone dig in together for a communal dining experience that celebrates Italian tradition.

Keep Your Sicilian Meatloaf Fresh

• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover slices in airtight containers for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and freshness. Wrap individual portions tightly to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Slice the meatloaf before freezing, creating convenient grab-and-go meal portions that last up to 3 months. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place in a sealed freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheat Like a Pro: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat in a 350-degree oven for 10-15 minutes. Add a splash of marinara sauce to keep the meat juicy and restore its original delicious taste.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire meatloaf up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it covered in the refrigerator. Simply pop it in the oven when ready to cook, making meal planning a breeze for busy home cooks.

Hearty Sicilian Meatloaf Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Palermo’s classic polpettone blends ground beef, herbs, and cheese into a hearty Mediterranean masterpiece. Rich flavors and rustic techniques highlight Sicily’s culinary heritage while promising a satisfying meal you’ll eagerly share with family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lb (907 g) ground beef
• ¼ lb (113 g) deli ham
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup parmesan cheese
• ¾ cup Italian style breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsps parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsps tomato paste
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 12–15 large basil leaves
• Marinara sauce (for serving)
• Cooked pasta or zucchini noodles (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F, creating an optimal cooking environment for the meatloaf.
2. Vegetable Sauté: In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook diced onions and red peppers over medium heat until onions become translucent, then introduce minced garlic and remove from heat to cool slightly.
3. Mixture Creation: In a large mixing bowl, blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, parmesan, eggs, tomato paste, seasoning, parsley, and the cooled vegetable mixture, ensuring thorough and even distribution of ingredients.
4. Rolling Technique: On a parchment paper sheet, spread the meat mixture into a rectangular shape, layer with ham slices, basil leaves, and mozzarella cheese, leaving a one-inch border around the edges.
5. Shaping and Sealing: Carefully roll the meat mixture into a compact log using the parchment paper as a guide, firmly sealing the ends to prevent filling from escaping during cooking.
6. Baking Process: Transfer the meatloaf to a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for one hour, allowing the meat to cook thoroughly and develop a golden-brown exterior.
7. Resting and Serving: Remove from oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes to redistribute juices, then slice and serve with pasta or zucchini noodles, accompanied by marinara sauce.

Notes

• Optimize Meat Mixture: Mix ingredients gently to prevent dense, tough texture – overmixing leads to compact, less tender meatloaf.
• Perfect Rolling Technique: Use parchment paper as a guide for creating smooth, tight roll with even thickness, preventing air pockets and ensuring consistent cooking.
• Temperature Control: Let meatloaf rest after baking to allow internal juices to redistribute, guaranteeing moist and flavorful slices with maximum taste retention.
• Cheese Selection: Choose high-quality mozzarella with good melting properties for rich, creamy flavor and smooth texture throughout the rolled meatloaf.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 130mg