Sicilian Meatloaf

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Add onion and red pepper.

Step 4

Sauté for about 5 minutes, until onions are translucent.

Step 5

Add garlic and cook until garlic is fragrant.

Step 6

Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, add ground beef, bread crumbs, parmesan, eggs, tomato paste, salt, pepper, parsley and vegetable mixture.

Step 8

With your hands, mix until everything is well combined.

Step 9

Take a large sheet of parchment paper and lay it out on the counter.

Step 10

Place your meat mixture in the center.

Step 11

Pat meat mixture out to form a rectangle about 8"x15".

Step 12

Top rectangle with a layer of ham, a layer of whole basil leaves and then a layer of cheese, leaving a 1 inch border all around.

Step 13

Starting at the 8 inch end, roll the meatloaf up, jelly roll style, using the parchment paper to help guide you.

Step 14

Press down on top seam to seal and press the ends together to seal as well.

Step 15

Place roll on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 16

Bake for 1 hour in preheated oven.

Step 17

Remove from oven, tent with aluminum foil and allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing (see notes below).

Step 18

Serve over pasta or zucchini noodles, if desired and top with marinara sauce.