Il Cucinologo
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Meatloaf with Vegetables and Cheese

17/11/2023

Here is the recipe for a delicious Italian-style meatloaf with vegetables and cheese.

Ingredients

  • 500 g ground meat (beef or a mix of beef and pork)
  • 1 egg
  • 50 g grated Parmesan
  • 50 g stale bread
  • 100 ml milk
  • 2 zucchinis
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 onion
  • 150 g melting cheese (mozzarella or provola)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Breadcrumbs to taste
  • Extra-virgin olive oil to taste
  • Aromatic herbs (thyme, rosemary, marjoram) as preferred

Preparation

  1. Start by soaking the stale bread in the milk to soften it.
  2. Grate the carrot and zucchinis and finely chop the onion. In a pan with a drizzle of oil, lightly sauté the onion, then add the zucchinis and carrot and cook until tender but still crisp.
  3. Squeeze the bread well and crumble it. In a large bowl, mix the ground meat with the egg, Parmesan, bread, salt, pepper, and chopped aromatic herbs.
  4. Once the vegetables have cooled slightly, fold them into the meat mixture.
  5. On a sheet of parchment paper dusted with breadcrumbs, spread the meat mixture into an even rectangle. In the center, arrange a row of melting cheese, leaving a border so you can roll up the meatloaf.
  6. Using the parchment paper, roll the mixture onto itself, sealing the edges well to prevent the cheese from leaking during baking.
  7. Gently transfer the meatloaf to a baking dish, drizzle with a little oil, and bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 45-60 minutes, or until the surface is golden and crisp.
  8. Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set and prevent excess liquid from escaping.

Interesting Facts

The meatloaf is a very versatile dish and makes a perfect “clean-out-the-fridge” recipe. You can vary the vegetables according to what you have on hand or the season. It is also delicious both hot and at room temperature, just as it is enjoyed in Italian kitchens. If you have leftovers, it is excellent the next day, reheated or even cold for a picnic or snack.

A good Italian red wine is the ideal pairing to enhance the rustic flavors of the meatloaf.