Forget everything you think you know about meatloaf! This isn't your grandma's bland, grey loaf. Our Italian Meatloaf Roll is a vibrant, flavour-packed masterpiece, bursting with the rich aromas of sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant basil, and savory Italian sausage. Imagine tender, juicy meat, expertly seasoned and rolled into a stunning centerpiece, ready to be sliced and served. This recipe elevates the humble meatloaf to a culinary delight, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of succulent ground beef and pork, intertwined with a medley of Italian herbs and cheeses, creates a truly unforgettable taste sensation.
Prepare to be amazed as this recipe transforms a classic comfort food into something truly special. We'll guide you through each step, from expertly combining the ingredients to achieving that perfect, golden-brown crust. Ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions below to create your own unforgettable Italian Meatloaf Roll.
Tools Needed
- Whisk
- Fine grater
- Coarse grater
- Knife
- Pot
- Skillet
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
- Immersion blender
- Silicone spatula
- Silicone brush
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1.5 lb
- Eggs: 2
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic cloves: 3
- Red onion: 1
- Parsley: 1 bunch
- Breadcrumbs: 2 tablespoons
- Broccoli
- Butter
- Yellow onion: 1
- Red bell pepper: 1
- Yellow bell pepper: 1
- Cherry tomatoes: 7-8
- Feta cheese: 3.5 oz
- Pitted green olives: 1.75 oz
- Lemon: 1
- Tomato paste: 2.5 oz
- Mustard: 1 tbsp
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
- Sesame seeds: 1 teaspoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Meatloaf Filling and Vegetables
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg mixture, minced garlic, grated red onion, chopped parsley, and breadcrumbs. Mix well using your hands.
- Cut broccoli into florets and boil until tender.
- In a skillet, melt butter, then sauté finely chopped yellow onion until golden brown.
- Add finely chopped red and yellow bell peppers and sliced cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Fry until softened.
Step 2. Assemble and Shape the Meatloaf
- Preheat oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread the ground beef mixture thinly onto the prepared baking sheet, pressing down to create an even layer.
- Evenly distribute the fried vegetables over the ground beef, leaving the edges empty.
- Crumble feta cheese over the vegetables.
- Arrange sliced green olives over the feta cheese.
- Grate lemon zest over the olives.
- Lift the edges of the parchment paper and roll the meatloaf into a log. Press firmly to seal.
Step 3. Bake the Meatloaf and Prepare the Broccoli Mash
- Bake for 40 minutes.
- Meanwhile, mash the cooked broccoli with butter, salt, garlic powder, and oregano using an immersion blender.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- In a bowl, combine tomato paste, mustard, lemon juice, and sesame seeds.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven, brush generously with the tomato sauce, and bake for another 10 minutes.
Read more: Grilled Stuffed Squid with Venere Black Rice & Buttered Vegetables
Tips
- Red onions have a milder, slightly sweet flavor compared to white onions.
- Parsley is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
- Ground beef is incredibly versatile and has been a kitchen staple for over a century.
- Roasting broccoli enhances its flavor and makes it more enjoyable.
- Onions offer various health benefits beyond flavoring food.
- Red bell peppers are the ripest and sweetest, with high vitamin C content.
- Yellow bell peppers are softer and juicier than green ones and rich in vitamin C and lutein.
- Cherry tomatoes are often sweeter and contain more antioxidants than regular tomatoes.
- Feta cheese is a Greek classic dating back over 2,000 years, rich in calcium and protein.
- Olives have a long history, and different varieties offer unique flavors.
- Lemon zest is full of antioxidants and essential oils, adding flavor and health benefits.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of meat?
Yes! Feel free to substitute some of the beef with ground veal or lamb for a unique flavor. You can also add a little ground pork for extra richness.
2. What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don't have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use regular dried tomatoes, rehydrated in warm water, or even a jar of roasted red peppers for a similar sweetness.
3. How do I know when the meatloaf is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 160°F (71°C). You can also check by piercing it with a fork – the juices should run clear.
This Italian Meatloaf recipe delivers a flavour explosion in every bite, transforming a classic dish into a culinary masterpiece. From its simple preparation to its impressive presentation, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this delicious and satisfying meal!