Hearty Sicilian meatloaf with ham, basil and mozzarella

This is a scrumptious dish that’s easy to whip up for a family dinner. I love that it looks rustic, but is still a perfectly acceptable meal for guests.

I can’t say I ever ate a lot of meatloaf growing up, but the ham and mozzarella cheese filling is right up my alley! When it’s all done, the taste is very similar to a giant Italian meatball. Mmm, delizioso!

Serves 8

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 red capsicum, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 905g beef mince
• 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 2 tbsp Italian parsley, chopped
• 115g ham off the bone
• 12-15 large basil leaves
• 1 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Marinara sauce

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180C.
2. Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add onion and capsicum and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until onions are translucent. Add garlic, cooking until the garlic is fragrant. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
3. In a large mixing bowl add mince, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, tomato paste, salt, pepper, parsley and then the onion, capsicum and garlic mixture. Using your hands, mix until everything is well combined.
4. Take a large sheet of baking paper and lay it on the kitchen bench. Place meat mixture at the centre. Pat mixture out to form a rectangle about 20cm x 38cm.
5. Top rectangle with a layer of ham, a layer of basil and then a layer of mozzarella, leaving a 2.5cm border all the way around.
6. Starting at the 20cm end, roll the meatloaf. Use the baking paper to help guide you. Press down on top seam to seal and then press ends together to seal too. Place on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Bake for 1 hour.
7. When cooked, remove from oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving with marinara sauce.