Meatloaf Brasciole

This Meatloaf Brasciole brings a rich, Italian-inspired twist to traditional meatloaf, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of juicy ground beef and pork, layered with fresh spinach, salty prosciutto, and gooey Provolone, makes each bite a satisfying experience. Rolling the meatloaf creates an impressive presentation that’s easy to slice and serve.

Perfect for a family meal, this stuffed meatloaf is ideal for both everyday dinners and special occasions. Using foil or parchment ensures an easy, mess-free preparation, and baking at a high temperature locks in the flavors while keeping the meatloaf juicy and tender. It’s a comforting, hearty dish that everyone at the table will love.

Full Recipe:

1 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 small onion, minced
3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 cup fresh spinach
6 slices prosciutto
6 slices provolone cheese or 1 cup mozzarella cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, egg, garlic, onion, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper until well-mixed.
Line a sheet pan with foil or parchment paper. Spread the meatloaf mixture onto the sheet pan and flatten into a 12×7-inch rectangle.
Layer the spinach, prosciutto, and provolone cheese over the meat mixture.
Using the foil or parchment, carefully roll the meat mixture lengthwise to form a log, sealing in the fillings.
Bake for 25 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing into 1-inch pieces.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 6 | Kcal: 398 kcal

Meatloaf Brasciole: A Savory Italian Twist on Traditional Comfort Food

Meatloaf Brasciole combines the best of Italian flavors with the classic comfort of a homemade meatloaf, transforming an ordinary dish into something elegant, savory, and memorable. This recipe is unique because it elevates meatloaf with layers of ingredients such as prosciutto, spinach, and gooey Provolone cheese, rolled into the meat to create a beautifully sliced entrée. With origins tracing back to Italian-American cuisine, this dish is a perfect way to enjoy the familiar flavors of Italy in an accessible, family-friendly format.

What is Meatloaf Brasciole?

Brasciole traditionally refers to an Italian stuffed and rolled meat dish, often involving thin slices of beef, pork, or chicken that are rolled with herbs, cheese, and sometimes cured meats, then seared and simmered in sauce. Meatloaf Brasciole adapts this concept by using ground meat, typically a blend of beef and pork, for the “roll” and packing it with Italian-inspired ingredients like Provolone cheese and prosciutto. By creating a roulade (or roll), the dish retains its moisture, making each slice incredibly juicy and flavorful.

This dish is a showstopper at the dinner table and presents beautifully when sliced, showing the layers of cheese, spinach, and cured meat within. It’s a wonderful centerpiece for a family gathering or a holiday meal, offering guests a hearty yet sophisticated experience.

Origins and Cultural Background

While traditional meatloaf is beloved in American cuisine, Italian stuffed dishes have been staples in Italian households for centuries. Brasciole, as known in Italian cuisine, is commonly made with larger cuts of meat and slowly braised in tomato sauce. The rolled and stuffed nature of Brasciole has been adopted into Italian-American recipes, where cooks often adapted traditional recipes to fit local ingredients and family preferences.

In Italian-American cooking, creativity thrives. The innovation of using ground meat instead of whole cuts to create a meatloaf-style Brasciole not only simplifies the preparation but makes the dish more accessible. This adaptation reflects Italian-American cuisine’s unique position, balancing traditional flavors with ease of cooking and comfort-food sensibilities. Thus, Meatloaf Brasciole has become a fusion dish that’s both rooted in Italian tradition and tailored for the American table.

The Flavor Profile: Savory, Cheesy, and Hearty

The flavor of Meatloaf Brasciole is layered and complex, making it a delight to eat. The combination of pork and beef brings a savory, robust taste to the meatloaf, while the Italian bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese add texture and a slightly nutty flavor. Inside, the prosciutto provides a salty, rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the mild, creamy Provolone, creating a perfectly balanced bite.

The spinach adds a subtle, earthy taste and a hint of freshness that offsets the richness of the meat and cheese. Garlic and parsley add aromatic Italian notes that complement the entire dish without overpowering it. When baked, the flavors meld together, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet grounded in familiar ingredients.

Why Meatloaf Brasciole is the Perfect Dish for Entertaining

This recipe’s visual appeal makes it perfect for entertaining. When sliced, each piece reveals beautiful layers of spinach, cheese, and prosciutto, which make it a standout dish on the table. Guests are always impressed by the presentation, especially because it looks much more complicated than it actually is to prepare.

The roll-up technique adds sophistication to a simple dish, yet the recipe remains approachable for most home cooks. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a baking time of 25 minutes, Meatloaf Brasciole doesn’t require hours of preparation. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead and reheat, making it convenient for hosts who want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with guests.

Cooking Tips and Techniques

Use a Mix of Meats: The combination of ground beef and pork adds a deeper flavor and texture to the meatloaf. Beef provides a hearty flavor, while pork introduces a slight sweetness and juiciness.
Layering the Ingredients: When layering the prosciutto, spinach, and cheese, spread each ingredient evenly across the meat mixture before rolling it up. This ensures that each slice has a balanced filling and that no one ingredient overpowers the others.
Rolling Technique: Use foil or parchment paper to help roll the meatloaf mixture tightly. This ensures that the ingredients stay securely inside as the meatloaf bakes and makes slicing easier. Rolling from the short side of the rectangle creates a log shape that fits well in most baking pans.
Baking at a High Temperature: Baking the Meatloaf Brasciole at 450°F allows it to cook quickly while forming a light crust on the outside. This temperature is ideal for cooking ground meat thoroughly without drying it out, ensuring a tender, juicy texture.
Resting Time: After baking, let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making each slice moist and flavorful.

How to Serve Meatloaf Brasciole

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it versatile for different occasions. Here are a few serving suggestions:

Pasta or Risotto: For a true Italian-inspired meal, serve Meatloaf Brasciole alongside a pasta dish, such as spaghetti aglio e olio or creamy risotto. The pasta’s mild flavors complement the rich, savory meatloaf.
Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts adds color and balances the richness of the meatloaf.
Salad: A light, fresh salad with arugula, shaved Parmesan, and a simple vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.
Mashed Potatoes or Polenta: For a heartier pairing, serve with creamy mashed potatoes or polenta, which create a comforting, classic combination.

Variations and Customization

One of the great things about Meatloaf Brasciole is that it can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some ideas for modifying the recipe:

Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the dish suitable for those avoiding gluten.
Add Herbs and Seasonings: Experiment with Italian herbs like basil, oregano, or rosemary to add more depth of flavor.
Switch Up the Cheese: Provolone is traditional, but mozzarella or fontina work wonderfully and add a unique twist.
Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian take, consider a similar technique with plant-based ground meat and vegetable fillings. A mix of roasted bell peppers, mushrooms, and ricotta cheese would make a delicious and hearty alternative.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Meatloaf Brasciole is easy to store, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers. If you have leftovers, allow the meatloaf to cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three or four days.

For longer storage, Meatloaf Brasciole can be frozen either whole or in slices for single-serving portions. To reheat, thaw the meatloaf in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through.

Conclusion: A Comforting, Versatile Dish for All Occasions

Meatloaf Brasciole offers the best of both worlds: the comforting familiarity of meatloaf and the elegant flavors of Italian cuisine. Its unique presentation, with layers of cheese, prosciutto, and spinach, makes it a dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner but equally suitable for holiday gatherings and special occasions. The flexibility of the ingredients and the adaptability to different dietary needs make it a versatile option for any home cook.

Whether served with pasta, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad, Meatloaf Brasciole is a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal that’s sure to impress. It’s a reminder that even simple, familiar ingredients can be transformed into something extraordinary with just a few thoughtful techniques and flavors. If you’re looking to add a new favorite to your recipe collection, this Italian-inspired meatloaf is a fantastic choice that brings warmth and joy to any table.