The Best Sicilian Meatloaf Recipe: A Zesty Italian Comfort Classic

Crafting an authentic Sicilian meatloaf brings memories of sun-drenched Mediterranean kitchens and hearty family gatherings.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this rustic dish with deep-rooted culinary traditions.

Regional spices and fresh ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of robust flavors.

Herbs like basil and oregano infuse each tender bite with rich, aromatic notes.

Savory ground meats blend seamlessly with breadcrumbs and aged cheese, promising a delectable experience.

Homemade comfort takes center stage in this soul-warming recipe that connects you to Italian culinary heritage.

Let’s uncover the delicious secrets of this classic comfort food that will make your taste buds sing.

Save and Warm Sicilian Meatloaf Easily

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual slices or the whole meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place meatloaf slices in a baking dish, add a splash of broth or tomato sauce to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

What to Serve with Sicilian Meatloaf

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a Sicilian Nero d'Avola or Chianti to complement the rich meat flavors and cut through the hearty texture.
• Serve Alongside Creamy Polenta: Create a smooth, cheesy polenta that absorbs the meatloaf's savory tomato sauce and provides a luxurious side dish.
• Brighten with Fresh Herb Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add a zesty, fresh contrast to the dense, meaty main course.
• Enhance with Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables: Prepare a colorful mix of roasted zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers to echo the Sicilian culinary style and add nutritious variety to the plate.

Sicilian Meatloaf Styles to Explore

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free almond meal or crushed gluten-free crackers for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegetarian Option
• Low-Carb Alternative: Eliminate breadcrumbs entirely and use finely chopped cauliflower rice as a binder, reducing overall carbohydrate content while preserving the meatloaf's texture.
• Lean Protein Version: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, pork, and veal to create a lighter, lower-fat meatloaf that still captures the rich Sicilian flavors.

FAQs

• Why use three types of meat in this meatloaf?

Ground beef, pork, and veal each contribute unique flavors and textures. Beef provides richness, pork adds moisture, and veal brings a delicate, tender quality to the meatloaf.

• Can I make this meatloaf gluten-free?

Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free certified.

• What herbs work best in Sicilian meatloaf?

Fresh parsley, basil, and oregano are traditional Sicilian herbs that add authentic Mediterranean flavor. Dried herbs can be substituted if fresh aren’t available.

• How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160F (71C). This ensures the meat is safely cooked while remaining juicy and tender.

Why Sicilian Meatloaf Deserves a Try

• Dive into a mouthwatering Sicilian meatloaf that blends ground beef, pork, and veal with vibrant herbs and vegetables for an explosion of traditional Italian taste.
• Achieve restaurant-quality results with simple steps that even novice cooks can master, making this recipe a foolproof way to impress family and friends.
• Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings, this hearty meatloaf offers a satisfying meal that brings everyone together around the table with its rich, comforting appeal.
• Easily adaptable for meal prep, leftovers, and next-day sandwiches, this meatloaf provides flexibility for busy households looking for delicious and convenient dining solutions.

Ingredients for Sicilian Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A classic protein that provides a rich and hearty foundation for the meatloaf.
• Ground Pork: Adds extra moisture and depth of flavor to the meat mixture.
• Ground Veal: Contributes a delicate texture and subtle taste to the meatloaf blend.

• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Help bind the meat together and add a delicious cheesy flavor.
• Eggs: Act as a crucial binding agent to hold the meatloaf ingredients together.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Celery: Create a flavorful vegetable base that adds depth and sweetness to the meatloaf.
• Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Herbs, Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall taste profile with classic seasoning.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and adding a touch of richness.

• Tomato Sauce: Adds moisture and a classic Italian-style topping to the meatloaf.

Steps for a Flavorful Italian Meatloaf

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C).

Get ready for some serious culinary adventure.

Step 2: Dance with Vegetables

Grab a skillet and splash in some olive oil over medium heat.

• Chopped onions
• Diced bell peppers
• Sliced celery

Sauté these veggie friends until they turn soft and fragrant, around 5-7 minutes.

Sprinkle in minced garlic and let it sizzle for another minute.

Step 3: Create the Meaty Symphony

• Ground beef
• Ground pork
• Ground veal

Fold in the sautéed vegetables, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, beaten eggs, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.

Gently mix everything, being careful not to overwork the mixture.

Step 4: Shape and Bake with Love

Transfer your meaty creation onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or into a greased loaf pan.

Sculpt it into a beautiful loaf shape.

Generously spread half the tomato sauce on top.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for one hour, or until the internal temperature hits 160F (71C).

Step 5: Rest and Reveal

Allow your masterpiece to rest for 10-15 minutes.

This lets the juices settle and makes slicing a breeze.

Serve warm, drizzling the remaining tomato sauce over each slice.

Tips for the Best Sicilian-Style Meatloaf

• Mix meats gently to avoid overworking, which can make the texture tough and dry.
• Use a combination of ground meats and add eggs and breadcrumbs to keep the meatloaf juicy and tender.
• Saute vegetables before mixing to develop richer, more complex taste profiles in the meatloaf.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches 160F for safe and perfectly cooked results.
• Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for sensitive diets.

Sicilian Meatloaf Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Rich Sicilian meatloaf brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with a hearty blend of ground meats, herbs, and traditional Italian seasonings. Family recipes like this connect generations, offering comfort and deliciousness in each carefully crafted slice.

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Ingredients

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Meat Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 1 pound (1 lb) ground pork
• 0.5 pound (1/2 lb) ground veal

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs

Herbs, Vegetables, and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatics by sautéing diced onions, bell peppers, and celery in olive oil over medium heat until they become translucent and tender, approximately 5-7 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its fragrant essence.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, amalgamate ground beef, pork, and veal with the sautéed vegetable medley. Incorporate breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, beaten eggs, and a harmonious blend of dried herbs.
3. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper, gently folding the ingredients together to maintain a light, tender texture. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense final product.
4. Carefully transfer the meat mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, sculpting it into a rustic loaf shape. Generously ladle half of the tomato sauce across the surface.
5. Slide the meatloaf into a preheated 375F (190C) oven, allowing it to roast for approximately 60 minutes. Verify doneness by confirming the internal temperature reaches 160F (71C) using a meat thermometer.
6. After removing from the oven, permit the meatloaf to rest for 10-15 minutes, enabling the juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, cohesive slice.
7. Slice the meatloaf and serve warm, accompanying each portion with the remaining tomato sauce for an additional burst of flavor.

Notes

• Gentle Mixing Matters: Handle the meat mixture delicately to prevent tough, dense meatloaf by mixing just until ingredients are combined.
• Vegetable Preparation Tip: Ensure vegetables are finely chopped and completely cooled before adding to meat to maintain perfect texture and prevent excess moisture.
• Alternative Meat Options: Swap ground meats with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version, keeping the same herb and seasoning profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg