Stuffed Meatloaf Wrapped in Pancetta

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The stuffed meatloaf is an absolutely appetizing main course or one-dish meal. For many of us it represents the classic Sunday family dish or dinner with friends. Soft and melty inside and crispy on the outside, it’s an absolute treat for the palate and I bet you won’t be able to resist at least one slice.

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  • Difficulty: Very easy
  • Cost: Medium
  • Preparation time: 10 Minutes
  • Portions: 4 servings
  • Cooking methods: Oven
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Seasonality: All seasons

Ingredients

  • 1.1 lb ground beef
  • 1 egg
  • 2 slices sandwich bread
  • 3 tbsp + 1 tsp milk
  • 1 oz (about 1/4 cup) grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • to taste chopped parsley
  • to taste thyme
  • 5.3 oz pancetta (streaky) (or rolled)
  • 3.5 oz mortadella
  • 5.3 oz smoked scamorza (or provolone)
  • as needed extra virgin olive oil

Tools

  • 1 Bowl
  • Kitchen twine
  • Parchment paper
  • 1 Baking sheet

Steps

  • In a large bowl place the ground beef, the egg, the chopped parsley, the thyme leaves, the grated Parmigiano, and the salt, then start mixing.
    In a separate bowl, soak the two slices of sandwich bread with the milk. Let them soak well.
    Add the squeezed bread slices to your meatloaf mixture and knead well until you obtain a smooth, homogeneous mixture.

  • Place the mixture on a sheet of parchment paper and flatten it with your hand to form a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.

    Arrange a layer of mortadella and a layer of provolone (or scamorza).

    Using the parchment paper to help you, gently roll the meatloaf into a large log and compact it well with your hands (also at the ends). Cover the meatloaf with slightly overlapping slices of pancetta.

  • Finish by sealing well with the parchment paper, forming a large “candy,” and tie the ends with kitchen twine.
    Bake in a preheated oven at 356°F for about 35–40 minutes. Once cooked, remove the parchment paper and leave it in the oven another 10–15 minutes (use the broil function).
    The pancetta will become crispy and flavorful. Slice the stuffed meatloaf with a serrated knife so you can cut neat slices without ruining the crispy crust that has formed.

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cuochinprogress

Cuochinprogress is a food blog dedicated to homemade, wholesome cooking that's accessible to everyone. From traditional Italian recipes and light, fluffy desserts to fragrant yeasted breads and seasonal dishes, the blog celebrates the pleasure of cooking with simplicity and passion. It's a go-to resource for anyone who loves to experiment in the kitchen, step by step, with clear explanations and reliable results.

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