SICILIAN MEATLOAF

Prep Time: 30 mins | Cook Time: 1 hr | Additional Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 40 mins | Yield: 8 Servings

A big thanks to my very good friend, Cindy, for sharing this recipe with me because now, I get to share it with you as well. How awesome is that? Oh, man, you are so in for a treat! Try this recipe now and prepare to be amazed. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS :

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Eggs
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/2 c parmesan cheese
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Marinara sauce

• 1 1/4 c either shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 c Italian style breadcrumbs
• 1/4 lb. deli ham
• cooked pasta or zucchini noodles, if desired
• 12-15 large basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

DIRECTIONS :

1. Prepare the oven and preheat to 175 degrees C or 350 degrees F.
2. Place a skillet on the stove and turn the heat to medium.
3. Add olive oil and allow it to become hot.
4. Add the red bell pepper and onion, then sauté until soft and translucent.
5. Add the garlic and sauté until aromatic.
6. Remove from the stove and allow it to cool.
7. In a mixing bowl, add the ground beef, parsley, eggs, Parmesan cheese, tomato paste, bread crumbs, veggies, salt, and pepper. Use your clean hands to mix everything until well combined.
8. Put a sheet of parchment paper onto a flat surface.
9. Add meat mixture in the middle, then create a rectangle shape.
10. Top it with ham, basil, and cheese. Make sure to leave about an inch space.
11. Roll the meatloaf from the 8-inch side.
12. Press the sides to seal.
13. Lay it onto parchment paper.
14. Put it inside the preheated oven and bake for one hour.
15. Remove from the oven and let it rest at room temperature for a few minutes to incorporate all the flavours.
16. Slice into even pieces.
17. Top each serving with pasta and marinara sauce.
18. Serve and enjoy!