Italian Stuffed Meat Loaf (Braciuola)
Italian Stuffed Meat Loaf (Braciuola) features seasoned ground beef rolled with ham and cheese, baked to perfection. A hearty, cheesy dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine eggs, bread crumbs, tomato sauce, parsley, garlic, salt, pepper, basil, and ground round in a large bowl.
- Mix well to incorporate all ingredients.
- Divide the mixture into two equal portions.
- Cut two 12 x 12-inch squares of foil.
- Sprinkle foil with bread crumbs.
- Pat out each half of the meat mixture on the foil into a 9 x 12-inch rectangle.
- Arrange ham slices on top of each meat rectangle.
- Sprinkle shredded Mozzarella cheese over the ham.
- Sprinkle with bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Using the foil, roll up each meat rectangle jelly roll fashion.
- Seal the edges and ends of each roll.
- Place the rolls on a greased jelly roll pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese to the meat mixture. If you want a healthier option, substitute ground turkey for the ground round. You can also use whole grain bread crumbs instead of regular ones. For a spice kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the filling. Ensure the meat is well-mixed to prevent it from falling apart during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Italian Stuffed Meat Loaf with a side of Eudene'S Spaghetti Sauce and a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. Garlic bread or roasted vegetables also make excellent accompaniments. For a heartier option, consider pairing it with Ziti Charcoal Burners Style(Makes 4 Servings) for a comforting family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until heated through. This dish also freezes well; wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Stuffed Meat Loaf (Braciuola) contains roughly 1331 calories, with 93g protein, 148g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (187% of the Daily Value), iron (86% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this meat loaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat loaf a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. This allows the flavors to meld. Just ensure you cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
What can I use instead of Mozzarella cheese?
If you don’t have Mozzarella, you can substitute with provolone or fontina cheese for a similar melting quality. Cheddar cheese can also be used for a sharper flavor, but it will change the overall taste of the dish.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! Finely chopped bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini can be added to the meat mixture for added nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from any vegetables to prevent the meat loaf from becoming soggy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).