Sicilian Style Meatloaf with Basil, Ham, and Mozzarella (1 Hr, 30 Mins)

Send it straight to your inbox, and cook it when you're ready!

Print

Print Recipe

Sicilian style meatloaf elevates the classic comfort food with layers of rich flavor inspired by Italian cuisine.

This version incorporates fresh basil, savory ham, and creamy mozzarella cheese, making each bite a delightful blend of tastes and textures.

Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this meatloaf can be served with a side of pasta, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

  • Prep Time: 35 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the meatloaf:

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the filling:

  • 1 cup chopped ham
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves

For the glaze:

  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

  1. Prepare the meatloaf mixture (10 minutes): Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined but do not overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
  2. Assemble the meatloaf with filling (10 minutes): On a large piece of parchment paper, press the meat mixture into a rectangle about 1/2-inch thick. Layer the chopped ham, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves over the meat, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from one of the shorter ends, carefully roll the meatloaf using the parchment paper as a guide. Seal the ends and seam well.
  3. Prepare the glaze (5 minutes): In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and oregano.
  4. Bake the meatloaf (1 hour): Transfer the rolled meatloaf to a baking sheet or loaf pan. Brush half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove from oven, brush with the remaining glaze, and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  5. Rest and serve (10 minutes): Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and makes the meatloaf easier to slice. Cut into thick slices and serve warm.

Notes

Sicilian style meatloaf is a great way to shake up your dinnertime routine with a dish that everyone will love.

For a lighter version, you could substitute ground turkey for beef or use low-fat cheese options.

Serve this meatloaf with your favorite sides such as a fresh salad, crusty bread, or roasted veggies for a complete and filling meal.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 140mg

Pair this with...

Homemade Boule Loaf

Grab 4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 packet (or 2 ¼ tsp) of active dry yeast, about 1 ½ cups warm water, and 1 ½ tsp salt. Dissolve that yeast in warm water and let it sit until it's foamy, around 5 minutes. Now, mix in the flour and salt, get your hands dirty, and knead until smooth. Let the dough rise in a cozy spot until it's doubled in size, about an hour. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Shape your dough into a ball and score the top with an "X" or design of your choosing. Bake for about 30 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool and enjoy the magic of homemade bread.

Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Begin with fresh Brussels sprouts, trimming the ends and cutting them in half for a flat, roasting surface. In a mixing bowl, toss the sprouts with olive oil, ensuring each one is glistening and ready for the oven's heat. Now, drizzle them with good-quality balsamic vinegar, which will reduce and caramelize as they roast, imparting a deep, rich flavor. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to balance out that balsamic sweetness. Spread the sprouts evenly on a baking sheet, ensuring each one has space to become crisp. Roast in a preheated oven until they’re beautifully browned and slightly crispy on the outside, while maintaining a tender bite inside.

Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Begin with some ripe tomatoes and slice them into wedges. Take a cucumber and cut it into thin rounds. Mix them together in a bowl. Add a bit of olive oil and a splash of vinegar—red or white wine vinegar works best. Season with some salt and pepper to taste. If you've got some basil or dill on hand, you can chop that up and throw it in too.

For Tomorrow's Dinner

Stir-Fried Asian Noodles with Beef (35 Minutes)

Chicken Souvlaki Wrap (28-30 Minutes)

Buffalo Cauliflower (30 Minutes)

Chickpea Burgers with Pickled Cucumbers and Hummus (30 Minutes)

Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!