Sicilian Meatloaf: A Flavorful Italian Classic

Sicilian Meatloaf is an impressive twist on classic meatloaf, transformed into a flavorful rolled-up loaf that’s both impressive and comforting. Ground beef is enriched with parsley, herbs, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, and tomato paste, then shaped into a rectangle and layered with deli ham, fresh basil, and mozzarella. Rolled up “jelly-roll” style, it bakes into a moist, tender loaf with a gooey cheese center. It's perfect served sliced over pasta or zucchini noodles with marinara. Elegant yet easy to make ahead, it’s a great centerpiece for family dinners or entertaining. 

Ingredients (serves ~6)

• 2 lb lean ground beef (90% lean)

• 1 egg

• ½ cup tomato juice (or ½ cup tomato paste)

• 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp dried basil

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• ½ cup finely chopped onion

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ¾ cup breadcrumbs

• 6–8 slices deli ham (or prosciutto)

• 6–8 slices mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup tomato paste (for topping)

• Optional: extra cheese for topping

• Marinara sauce, for serving 

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). 

2. In a large bowl, whisk egg and tomato juice; then stir in parsley, oregano, basil, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and breadcrumbs. 

3. Mix in the ground beef until well combined. 

4. Press meat mixture into a parchment-lined rectangle (~10×8 inches).

5. Layer ham over meat, then top with mozzarella slices. 

6. Roll tightly like a jelly roll, sealing edges well. Transfer seam-side down into a baking dish. 

7. Spread tomato paste evenly on top. Bake 1 hour (until internal temperature reaches 160 °F). 

8. (Optional) Add extra cheese on top and bake until melted. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

9. Serve sliced, topped with marinara sauce, alongside pasta or zucchini noodles.
   
   

Nutritional Info (per serving, 6 servings)

• Calories: 454 kcal

• Protein: 49 g

• Fat: 20 g (Saturated ~9 g)

• Carbohydrates: 17 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 5 g

• Cholesterol: 161 mg

• Sodium: 1091 mg

• Calcium: 214 mg

• Iron: 6 mg