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Italian Stuffed Meatloaf

Savory Italian Stuffed Meatloaf for Cozy Family Dinners

This Italian Stuffed Meatloaf is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for cozy family dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Meatloaf
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Fat for sautéing. Substitute with vegetable oil if preferred.
  • 1 Medium Red Onion Minced; adds sweetness and forms the flavor base for soffritto.
  • 2 Medium Carrots Minced; provides sweetness and texture. Use parsnips as a substitute for additional flavor.
  • 3 Stalks Celery Minced; adds aromatic freshness.
  • 0.5 Cup Parsley Chopped fine; fresh herb for flavor. Substitute with basil or cilantro for different herb profiles.
  • Pinch Salt Essential seasoning. Adjust to taste.
  • Pinch Pepper Essential seasoning. Adjust to taste.
  • 4 Cloves Garlic Minced; aromatic flavor enhancer.
  • 2 Pounds Ground Beef Main protein; offers rich flavor. Can use ground turkey for a lighter option.
  • 1 Pound Italian Style Pork Sausage Adds moisture and depth; can substitute with chicken sausage for a leaner version.
  • 1 Cup Spinach Optional vegetable for added nutrition.
  • 3 Cups Italian Style Bread Crumbs Binds the meat mixture. Gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute.
  • 0.75 Cup Whole Milk Keeps the meatloaf moist; use cream for richness or almond milk for a lactose-free version.
  • 12 Scallions Prepared for filling; adds a mild onion flavor.
  • 12 slices Genoa Salami Flavorful filling layer; can skip or substitute with cooked ham.
  • 0.5 Pound Provolone Cheese Freshly shredded; adds creaminess and flavor. Mozzarella can be used for a milder taste.
  • 0.5 Pound Thick Slice Bacon Adds fat and smoky flavor; can omit for a leaner dish.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking dish
  • parchment paper
  • Meat Thermometer

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Hearty Italian Stuffed Meatloaf
  1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 minced red onion, 2 minced carrots, 3 minced celery stalks, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Stir in ½ cup of chopped parsley, along with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors while the sofritto cooks.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine 2 pounds of ground beef, 1 pound of Italian-style pork sausage, and the sautéed sofritto. Add 1 cup of chopped spinach (if using), 3 cups of Italian-style breadcrumbs, and ¾ cup of whole milk. Gently mix with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture to ensure a tender meatloaf.
  3. Place a large sheet of parchment paper on a clean surface. Transfer the meat mixture onto the parchment and shape it into a rectangle, about 1 inch thick. Layer 12 prepared scallions, 12 slices of Genoa salami, and ½ pound of shredded provolone cheese on top. Carefully roll the meatloaf away from you, sealing the filling inside as you go, creating a cylindrical shape.
  4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lay ½ pound of thick-sliced bacon out in a slightly overlapping row. Place the rolled meatloaf on top and wrap the bacon around it securely, pinching the ends together to maintain shape. This not only adds flavor but also keeps the meatloaf moist during baking.
  5. Transfer the bacon-wrapped meatloaf to a greased baking dish or a lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). Look for a golden-brown exterior as a visual cue that it's nearly done.
  6. Once cooked, remove the Hearty Italian Stuffed Meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice perfectly moist and flavorful when you serve it. After resting, slice and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 36gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3.5mg

Notes

Variations and substitutions are encouraged to make this dish uniquely your own.

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