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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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