Mozzarella Meat Loaf

Mozzarella Meat Loaf Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 55 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Mozzarella Meat Loaf is a delicious and hearty dish that combines ground beef, pork, oats, and cheese to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

History

The origins of meatloaf can be traced back to ancient Rome, where a similar dish called "minutal of meat" was made with minced meat, bread, and spices. Over time, meatloaf evolved into the dish we know today, with various ingredients and flavors added to suit different tastes.

Ingredients

1 large onion, coarsely chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 sweet red pepper, chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 tsp dried basil leaves, crumbled
0.5 tsp dried thyme leaves, crumbled
1.5 lb (680 g) lean ground beef
0.5 lb (227 g) ground pork
1 cup uncooked old-fashioned oats
2 egg whites
4 oz (113 g) part-skim mozzarella cheese, cut into 0.25 inch cubes
0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped parsley
0.75 tsp salt (optional)
0.13 tsp pepper
0.25 cup catsup

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to moderate (375°F (191°C)).
Line a jelly-roll pan with aluminum foil.
Saute the onion in oil in a large skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes.
Add the red pepper, garlic, basil, and thyme, and saute for 5 minutes.
Combine the beef, pork, oats, egg, egg whites, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, optional salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
Add the vegetable mixture to the bowl.
Shape the mixture into a large oval on the prepared pan.
Bake in the moderate oven (375°F (191°C)) for 30 minutes.
Brush the loaf with catsup.
Bake for an additional 25 minutes or until cooked through.
Let the loaf stand for 10 minutes before slicing.

Judi's notes

I would bake this meat loaf in a loaf pan instead of a jelly roll pan to prevent possible grease escaping.
I would also spoon off some of the fat from the loaf after 30 minutes.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or mushrooms to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss, for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use lean ground beef and pork to reduce the fat content of the dish.

- Sauteing the onions, peppers, and garlic before adding them to the meat mixture will enhance their flavors.

- Letting the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing will help the flavors meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mozzarella Meat Loaf with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the meatloaf in a loaf pan will help retain the shape and prevent excess grease from escaping.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute ground turkey for the ground pork in this recipe for a leaner option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatloaf mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the meatloaf with fresh parsley or grated cheese before serving for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Mozzarella Meat Loaf with a side salad and a glass of red wine for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mozzarella Meat Loaf contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mozzarella Meat Loaf contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Mozzarella Meat Loaf contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Mozzarella Meat Loaf contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Mozzarella Meat Loaf is a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and eggs.

Summary

Mozzarella Meat Loaf is a balanced meal that provides a good amount of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. It is a nutritious and satisfying dish for any occasion.

Summary

Mozzarella Meat Loaf is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, this recipe is a nutritious and delicious option for any meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a rainy day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my mother. As I turned the pages, a picture of a mouthwatering Mozzarella Meat Loaf caught my eye. The recipe seemed simple enough, with just a few ingredients and clear instructions. I decided then and there that I would make it for dinner that night.

I gathered all the necessary ingredients from my pantry and set to work in the kitchen. The scent of onions sautéing in butter filled the air as I mixed together ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings. I carefully layered slices of fresh mozzarella cheese in the center of the meat mixture, then shaped it into a loaf and baked it in the oven.

As the meat loaf cooked, the cheese melted and oozed out, creating a gooey, delicious center. The aroma that wafted through my kitchen was enough to make my mouth water. When the timer went off and I pulled the meat loaf out of the oven, it was golden brown and bubbling with melted cheese.

I sliced into the meat loaf and marveled at the gooey cheese center. The first bite was pure heaven – the savory meat paired perfectly with the creamy mozzarella. It was a hit with my family, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in our household.

Over the years, I have made the Mozzarella Meat Loaf countless times. It has become one of my signature dishes, a recipe that I am known for among my friends and family. I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding in different seasonings or experimenting with different types of cheese. But the basic formula remains the same – ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and that gooey mozzarella center.

I have shared the recipe with many people over the years, passing it on to friends and neighbors who have all fallen in love with it. I have taught my grandchildren how to make it, watching as they carefully layer the cheese in the center of the meat loaf just as I did all those years ago.

The recipe for Mozzarella Meat Loaf holds a special place in my heart. It reminds me of cozy nights spent in the kitchen, cooking up delicious meals for my loved ones. It reminds me of the joy that comes from sharing a meal with those you care about, of the comfort that good food can bring.

I am grateful for the many recipes that have come into my life over the years, each one a piece of the puzzle that makes up my culinary repertoire. But the Mozzarella Meat Loaf will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a recipe that brings me joy every time I make it, a recipe that I will continue to pass down through the generations.

So the next time you are looking for a comforting and delicious meal to share with your loved ones, give my Mozzarella Meat Loaf recipe a try. I promise it will become a favorite in your household, just as it has in mine.