Delicious Tuscan Meatloaf Recipe for Meat Lovers
Welcome, fellow food enthusiast! Today, I have a recipe that will take you on a culinary journey to the heart of Tuscany. Get ready to indulge in the flavorful and succulent Tuscan Meatloaf Recipe, also known as “Polpettone” in Italian.
This Tuscan-style meatloaf recipe is an unusual twist on traditional meatloaf recipes. The fusion of herbs, tomato sauce, garlic cloves, capers, sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan cheese blend together to create an extraordinary flavor profile that will surely become one of your favorite meatloaves.
I have traveled far and wide to bring you the best meatloaf recipes out there, and this Tuscan Meatloaf Recipe is at the top of my list. Its simplicity and complexity are what make it unique. You will be amazed by how easy this recipe is to make, yet impressed with its deliciously rich taste.
So without further ado, let’s get into the ingredients and get started on making this tasty Tuscan dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same old bland and boring meatloaf recipe? Look no further! This Tuscan Meatloaf recipe is here to add a tasty twist to your dinner table.
One of the reasons this recipe is so beloved is the addition of sun-dried tomatoes and capers. These ingredients give the meatloaf a burst of flavor that is both savory and tangy. The combination of these flavors paired with parmesan and mozzarella cheese will have your taste buds dancing.
Not only is this recipe full of flavor, but it’s also easy to make. All you need is just one large bowl to mix together ground beef, bread crumbs, eggs, milk, minced garlic cloves, diced red onion, and any other desired ingredients.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. If you’re looking for a healthier option or simply want something different, try making this Tuscan Meatloaf with turkey instead of beef.
The Tuscan Meatloaf pairs perfectly with a mushroom sauce recipe made with olive oil, garlic powder, and vegetable sauce. Or if you’re in the mood for something different, try it with a white wine vegetable sauce that has oregano added.
With so many variations possible, there’s no reason not to give this Tuscan-style meatloaf recipe a try today. It’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredient List
Here are all the ingredients you will need for this Tasty Tuscan Meatloaf Recipe:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 medium sized red onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup of finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons of capers, rinsed and roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 pounds of lean ground beef
- Kosher salt and fresh coarse ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup of plain bread crumbs
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup of milk
For the mushroom sauce:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1.5 cups of sliced button mushrooms
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of dried oregano
- 1.5 cups of tomato sauce
- A splash of red wine (optional)
If you want to add a cheesier twist to your meatloaf, you may also want to have these ingredients on hand:
- Mozzarella cheese slices
- Additional parmesan cheese
All ingredients can be found at your nearest supermarket or Italian marketplace like Uncle Giuseppe Marketplace.
The Recipe How-To
Before we start assembling our Tuscan Meatloaf, it is important to have all the ingredients prepped and ready. I always chop and measure all of my ingredients before beginning to cook, so the recipe goes more smoothly.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, you will want to mix together:
- 2 pounds of lean ground beef
- 1 finely chopped red onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup of bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup of milk
- 2 beaten eggs
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
- Black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- A pinch of ground cayenne pepper
Tip: For an even tastier Tuscan Meatloaf, you could add a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, capers or mozzarella cheese.
Mix everything together until well combined.
Shaping the Meatloaf
Once everything is mixed, take half the mixture and form it into a round shape loaf on a baking dish or loaf pan. Repeat with remaining meat mixture.
Tip: To keep the meatloaf from getting too compact, don’t press the mixture into place too tightly.
Baking and Glazing
Bake your Tuscan Meatloaf at 350°F (175°C) for about an hour, or until cooked through completely.
While the meat is cooking, prepare the glaze by mixing together in a small bowl:
- 1/2 cup of tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 clove minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Then, pour glaze over the meatloaf halfway through cooking; this will give it an extra boost of umami flavority!
After an hour has passed, remove from the oven and let cool for about five minutes before slicing.
Tip: Serve with mushroom sauce and polenta or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
Enjoy your Tasty Tuscan Meatloaf!
Buon appetito!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try with this Tuscan meatloaf recipe. Here are some ideas to get you started:
– Ground turkey: If you’re looking for a lighter option, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey. You won’t compromise on flavor and will still have a tasty Tuscan turkey meatloaf.
– Italian meatloaf: Add some chopped green pepper and onion to the meat mixture for an Italian-style twist. This will give your meatloaf an extra zing, and you can serve it with tomato sauce.
– Mushroom meatloaf: For a vegetarian-friendly version, replace the ground beef with a combination of lentils, mushrooms, and walnuts. You can then make a flavorful mushroom sauce to accompany the dish.
– Polpettone: This is the Italian version of a meatloaf that is often filled with hard-boiled eggs, prosciutto or mortadella. Instead of just sautéing your mushrooms for sauce or chopping sun-dried tomatoes to go in the filling, add capers, pine nuts and raisins to make Polpettone.
– Tuscan chicken meatloaf: Swap out the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey and add some dried Tuscan herbs like rosemary or oregano to enhance the flavors without compromising on the texture. You can serve it with a white wine vegetable sauce to bring out the Tuscan flair.
Whichever variation you choose, be sure to adjust cooking time if necessary and always keep an eye on your oven temperature. Don’t be afraid of experimenting new flavor combinations! With these substitutions and variations, you can easily personalize your Tuscan Meatloaf dish to your liking.
Serving and Pairing
The Tuscan Meatloaf recipe is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are serving it for a casual family dinner or a special gathering with friends, this meatloaf is sure to impress.
To serve the meatloaf, I recommend slicing it into thick slices and arranging them on a serving platter. You can also top each slice with some extra tomato sauce or mushroom sauce for added flavor.
As for pairing, this Tuscan meatloaf pairs well with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. The meatloaf has bold flavors that can be complemented by the earthy and mild taste of roasted vegetables or the subtle freshness of a green salad.
If you want to take your pairing up a notch, I suggest serving this meatloaf with a glass of Tuscan red wine such as Chianti or Brunello di Montalcino. The fruity and tannic notes of these wines perfectly complement the rich and beefy flavors of the meatloaf.
Overall, serving and pairing options for this Tuscan-style meatloaf are versatile and customizable to fit your personal preferences. Whether you choose to pair it with traditional sides or experiment with something new, this dish is sure to leave your taste buds satisfied.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As I like to say, a perfect meatloaf is like a good wine, it gets better with time. The tuscan meatloaf recipe is no exception, and fortunately, it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer for later consumption.
If you plan on making this tasty tuscan meatloaf recipe ahead of time, simply bake it according to the instructions given in section (4) The Recipe How-To. Let the meatloaf cool completely and then store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the fridge or freezer.
When you want to reheat the meatloaf, make sure to thaw it completely if you froze it. You can either microwave small portions or bake the entire loaf. To bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and place the meatloaf in a baking dish. Drizzle some tomato sauce or mushroom sauce over it, cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake until heated through.
I recommend using a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf – it should reach 165°F (75°C) before serving. Remember not to overcook or burn your tuscan meatloaf; nobody likes dry and tasteless meat!
Overall, this recipe is perfect for meal prepping or stocking up your freezer with delicious homemade meals. With proper storage and reheating techniques, you can enjoy a mouth-watering tuscan-style meatloaf any day of the week.
Tips for Perfect Results
As a culinary explorer, I have tested various meatloaf recipes and incorporated different twists to make them more appealing. Through trial and error, I have discovered some tips and tricks to ensure that your Tuscan Meatloaf recipe comes out perfectly every time.
The key to ensuring your Tuscan Meatloaf is juicy and tender is to use lean ground beef with a fat content of no more than 7%. This will prevent the meat from becoming too greasy and retain the shape of the meatloaf.
When mixing the ingredients, it’s important not to overwork the mixture as it can result in a tough texture. Rather than using your hands, use a fork or spatula to combine all the ingredients until they are just incorporated. This will prevent you from overmixing and ensure a moist texture.
Next is the seasoning of the Tuscan Meatloaf. Don’t be afraid to generously season your meatloaf with Tuscan herbs such as oregano, thyme, and basil. These herbs are perfect for adding incredible flavor and aroma to your dish.
To ensure even cooking, form the Tuscan Meatloaf into a uniform shape, like a log or loaf. Doing this will ensure that every part cooks evenly and eliminates any dry spots.
When baking your Tuscan Meatloaf, cover it with foil for the first thirty minutes of baking time. This will help trap steam, contributing to its moistness. Remove the foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking time so that it can brown on top.
Lastly, don’t slice your Tuscan Meatloaf immediately after removing it from the oven; doing so will cause all its juices to come out, leaving you with dry meatloaf. Instead, allow it to rest for about five minutes before carving into it.
By following these tips, you’ll be serving perfect Tuscan Meatloaf every time!
FAQ
As we wrap up our tasty Tuscan Meatloaf Recipe, it’s crucial to address some frequently asked questions to ensure you achieve fantastic results each time. Understanding these common inquiries can mean the difference between a perfect meatloaf and a failed one. So, let’s jump into some of the questions often asked about cooking meatloaf.
What is the secret to moist meatloaf?
When it comes to cooking meat, it’s important to keep it moist and flavorful. To achieve this, don’t forget to incorporate certain wet ingredients such as eggs, ketchup, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, or barbecue sauce throughout the cooking process. These ingredients not only enhance the taste and texture, but they also help to lock in the juiciness of the meat. Keep this in mind for your next cooking venture to achieve succulent and tasty results.
What ingredient keeps meatloaf from falling apart?
Meatloaf that crumbles and falls apart is a common problem. The main culprit is the absence of sufficient binding agents like breadcrumbs and eggs. These ingredients play a critical role in holding the mixture together and ensuring that it doesn’t fall apart while cooking. So, it’s essential to use the correct amount of these binders for the meatloaf to maintain its shape and form.
How do you make Paula Deen’s meatloaf?
Let’s get started on making a delectable meatloaf! Preheat your oven to a toasty 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, I like to combine some mouth-watering ground beef, a dash of salt, some fresh black pepper, onions for a savory aroma, a vibrant bell pepper, an egg to add some structure, juicy tomatoes for a pop of flavor, and to bind it all together – some hearty oats for texture. Mix and mash it together with your hands until it is well combined.
To give this meatloaf an extra oomph of scrumptiousness, we’ll be adding a tantalizingly sweet and tangy topping. Mix together some aromatic ketchup, brown sugar for some sweetness, and mustard for a zingy kick. The combination is a true flavor explosion!
In a lightly greased baking dish, transfer your meatloaf mixture and shape it into a rectangular loaf. Now, generously spread your topping mixture on top of the meatloaf.
Finally, bake your meatloaf in the oven for 60 minutes, or until your meat thermometer reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Your meatloaf should be juicy and tender, but cooked thoroughly. Enjoy!
Why do some people put milk in meatloaf?
One common ingredient found in meatloaf is milk, and it serves an important purpose. When combined with bread crumbs, the milk helps to create a moist texture in the meatloaf. However, if you prefer to avoid using milk in your recipe, there are alternatives such as low sodium beef or chicken stock, water, or non-dairy milk options.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Tuscan Meatloaf recipe is an excellent option for those seeking a hearty, flavorful and easy to make meal. This recipe provides an unusual twist on the traditional meatloaf recipe by adding Tuscan herbs and other unique ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and capers. The mushroom sauce recipe also adds another dimension of flavor to this delicious dish.
By using high-quality ingredients such as lean ground beef, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, you can rest assured that your Tuscan Meatloaf will be not only tasty but also nutritious. With the ability to customize this meal to your liking with substitutions and variations, there’s no excuse not to give it a try.
Whether you’re feeding a family of four or entertaining guests, the Tuscan Meatloaf recipe will definitely be a crowd-pleaser. So why not head over to Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace and get everything you need to create this delicious dish? Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
Tuscan Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 10 large olives, sliced (green or black)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, diced
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 tablespoons capers, coarsely chopped
- 3 tablespoons pickled jalapeno peppers, diced
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons fresh coarse ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Additional ingredients
- nonstick cooking spray
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups tomato sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F/190°C.
- In a large bowl combine all the ingredients for the meatloaf. Mix well.
- Spray a 12x4x4 inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Transfer meat mixture to the greased loaf pan, pressing the meat firmly into the pan.
- Brush top of meatloaf with olive oil.
- Place pan onto a baking tray to catch any drippings. Bake in the center rack of oven, uncovered, for 60 to 80 minutes, until internal temperature is 160°F.
- Remove from oven. Carefully drain excess fat and moisture from around the meatloaf.
- Allow meatloaf to rest in pan for 5 minutes to set.
- In the meantime, bring tomato sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and keep warm.
- Transfer meatloaf onto a serving platter. Cut into 1 inch thick slices. Serve with warmed tomato sauce.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.