Description
A delightful twist on traditional meatloaf, combining savory meats, vibrant vegetables, and layers of melted cheese for a flavorful centerpiece.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lbs ground beef
- ¾ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ lb deli ham
- 12–15 large fresh basil leaves
- 1 ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Marinara sauce (for serving)
- Cooked pasta or zucchini noodles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and red bell pepper; sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan, eggs, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, and parsley along with the cooled vegetables.
- Mix until combined and shape the meat mixture into a rectangle on parchment paper.
- Top with layers of ham, basil leaves, and mozzarella, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Roll the meatloaf up like a jelly roll, using the parchment to guide.
- Seal the seams and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 1 hour, tent with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve over pasta or zucchini noodles, topped with marinara sauce.
Notes
Allow the meatloaf to cool completely before storing. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg