Sicilian Meatloaf: A Flavorful Italian Classic Recipe
Sicilian Meatloaf is a flavorful Italian classic combining a medley of ground meats with aromatic vegetables, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese, baked to perfection and served with a simple tomato sauce. This hearty dish delivers rich, traditional flavors from Sicily, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- ½ lb ground veal
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, and ground veal. Add breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, finely chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, minced garlic, eggs, parsley, basil, and season generously with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture onto a baking tray or loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf form, making sure it is compact and evenly shaped for uniform cooking.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Apply the Sauce: Spread the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the top of the shaped meatloaf to add moisture and flavor during baking.
- Bake the Meatloaf: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the meatloaf is cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain juices and makes slicing easier. Serve warm with additional tomato sauce if desired.
Notes
- Using a mix of ground meats provides a richer flavor and more tender texture.
- Make sure not to overmix the meat to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest after baking to keep it moist.
- You can add a dash of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a mild spicy kick.
- Leftover meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
