Little Sicilian Meat Loaves

Little Sicilian Meat Loaves Recipe - Italian Cuisine

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Little Sicilian Meat Loaves are a delicious and savory dish that combines ground beef, cheese, ham, and pasta sauce to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. These individual meat loaves are perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for entertaining guests.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Sicilian cuisine, which is known for its bold flavors and hearty dishes. The combination of ground beef, cheese, and pasta sauce is a classic Italian flavor profile that has been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients

1 egg
1 (14 oz (397 g)) jar of garlic and onion pasta sauce (1.75 cups)
0.25 cup of seasoned dry bread crumbs
0.25 tsp of salt
0.25 tsp of pepper
12 oz (340 g) of ground beef
2 oz (57 g) of mozzarella cheese
4 slices of prosciutto or ham, about 2 oz (57 g) (thin slices)
1 (9 oz (255 g)) package of refrigerated fettuccine or spinach fettuccine
finely shredded parmesan cheese

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 egg, 0.25 cup of pasta sauce, fine dry bread crumbs, salt, and pepper.
Add ground beef to the mixture and mix well.
Cut mozzarella cheese into four logs measuring approximately 2.25x0.25x0.5 inches.
Wrap a slice of prosciutto or ham around each cheese log.
Shape one fourth of the ground beef mixture around each cheese log to form a loaf.
Flatten the four meat loaves to 1.5 inches thick and place them in a shallow baking pan.
Bake the loaves, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the meat is cooked through.
Meanwhile, prepare the pasta according to the package directions.
Heat the remaining pasta sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat until it becomes bubbly.
Arrange the meat loaves over the hot cooked pasta on a serving plate.
Spoon the sauce over the top and, if desired, sprinkle with cheese.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter option.
Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms to the ground beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of cheese such as provolone or cheddar for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to mix the ground beef mixture well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

- Be careful not to overcook the meat loaves, as they can become dry and tough.

- For a crispy top, broil the meat loaves for a few minutes after baking.

- Serve the meat loaves with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Little Sicilian Meat Loaves with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking, mixing, shaping, and broiling are the main cooking techniques used in this recipe.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of pasta sauce or marinara sauce in place of the specified pasta sauce.

- Substitute any type of cheese for the mozzarella cheese.

- Use bacon or prosciutto instead of ham for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

The meat loaves can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. The pasta sauce can also be made in advance and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Little Sicilian Meat Loaves on a bed of cooked pasta, topped with extra sauce and a sprinkle of shredded parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Little Sicilian Meat Loaves with a glass of red wine such as Chianti or Sangiovese for a classic Italian meal experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Little Sicilian Meat Loaves contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Little Sicilian Meat Loaves contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Little Sicilian Meat Loaves contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Little Sicilian Meat Loaves contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Little Sicilian Meat Loaves are a good source of iron, vitamin A, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and gluten (bread crumbs). It may also contain soy (ham).

Summary

Little Sicilian Meat Loaves are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious choice for dinner.

Summary

Little Sicilian Meat Loaves are a delicious and comforting dish that combines the flavors of ground beef, cheese, ham, and pasta sauce. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner at home. Enjoy these individual meat loaves with a side of pasta and a glass of wine for a satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. I was visiting my friend Maria, who had just returned from a trip to Sicily. She had brought back with her a cookbook filled with authentic Sicilian recipes, and she was eager to share them with me.

As she flipped through the pages, one particular recipe caught my eye - Little Sicilian Meat Loaves. The description and ingredients sounded absolutely delicious, and I knew I had to learn how to make them.

Maria was more than happy to teach me the recipe. She explained that these meat loaves were a traditional Sicilian dish, often served at family gatherings and special occasions. The combination of ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs was sure to create a mouthwatering dish that would satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

We spent the day in Maria's kitchen, chopping, mixing, and shaping the meat loaves. As they baked in the oven, the aroma that filled the air was simply tantalizing. When they were finally done, we sat down to enjoy our creation, and I was blown away by how delicious they were.

From that day on, Little Sicilian Meat Loaves became a regular dish in my own kitchen. I would make them for my family, friends, and anyone else who was lucky enough to taste them. The recipe became a staple in my collection, and I would often make slight variations to suit different tastes and occasions.

Over the years, I continued to perfect the recipe, adding my own twists and tweaks to make it truly my own. I would experiment with different herbs and spices, adjust the proportions of the ingredients, and even try using different types of meat. Each time, the result was a savory, flavorful meat loaf that never failed to impress.

As I shared the recipe with others, it became a hit among my friends and family. They would often request that I make it for parties and gatherings, and I was always happy to oblige. The Little Sicilian Meat Loaves became a signature dish of mine, a recipe that I was proud to pass down to future generations.

One day, as I was making the meat loaves for a family dinner, my granddaughter walked into the kitchen and asked what I was cooking. I explained to her the history of the recipe, how I had learned it from Maria and had been perfecting it ever since. She watched intently as I mixed the ingredients and shaped the meat loaves, her eyes wide with curiosity.

When the meat loaves were done and we sat down to eat, my granddaughter took her first bite and her face lit up with delight. She declared them to be the best meat loaves she had ever tasted, and asked if I could teach her how to make them.

And so, the tradition continued. I passed down the recipe for Little Sicilian Meat Loaves to my granddaughter, just as Maria had passed it down to me. I showed her the importance of using fresh ingredients, the technique of shaping the loaves just right, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

As I watched my granddaughter learn and grow in the kitchen, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. The recipe had become more than just a dish - it was a connection to my past, a way to honor the traditions and flavors of Sicily, and a bond that would be passed down through generations to come.

And so, as I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that brought me to this point, I am grateful for the recipe for Little Sicilian Meat Loaves. It has brought me joy, satisfaction, and a sense of tradition that will live on long after I am gone. And for that, I am truly thankful.