SICILIAN MEATLOAF
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
- 3/4 cup Italian style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
- about 1/4 lb deli ham
- 12-15 large basil leaves
- 1 1/4 cup either shredded mozzarella cheese
- marinara sauce
- cooked pasta or zucchini noodles, if desired
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and red pepper.
- Sauté for about 5 minutes, until onions are translucent.
- Add garlic and cook until garlic is fragrant.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, add ground beef, bread crumbs, parmesan, eggs, tomato paste, salt, pepper, parsley and vegetable mixture.
- With your hands, mix until everything is well combined.
- Take a large sheet of parchment paper and lay it out on the counter.
- Place your meat mixture in the center.
- Pat mixture out to form a rectangle about 8"x15".
- Top rectangle with a layer of ham, a layer of basil and then a layer of cheese, leaving a 1 inch border all around.
- Starting at the 8 inch end, roll the meatloaf up, jelly roll style, using the parchment paper to help guide you.
- Press down on top seam to seal and press the ends together to seal as well.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 1 hour in preheated oven.
- Remove from oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve topped with pasta or zucchini noodles, if desired and top with marinara sauce.
