Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that transforms the humble meatloaf into a gourmet Italian masterpiece! This Pan Seared Polpettone isn't just another dinner recipe - it's a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to the rustic kitchens of Italy. With a perfectly seared golden-brown exterior and a juicy, herb-infused interior, this meatloaf promises to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine and impress even the most discerning food critics.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the meatloaf mixture by combining ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly with clean hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the meat mixture into a compact oval-shaped loaf, ensuring it's evenly formed and about 2 inches thick. Allow the formed loaf to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes to help ingredients bind together.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the meatloaf in the pan.
- Sear the meatloaf for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, creating a golden-brown crust. Use tongs to carefully turn the loaf, ensuring even browning.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid, and continue cooking the meatloaf for about 25-30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- While the meatloaf is cooking, prepare the broccoli by steaming or roasting. If steaming, place broccoli florets in a steamer basket over boiling water for 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Once meatloaf is cooked, remove from pan and let rest for 5-7 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. This helps maintain moisture and makes slicing easier.
- Slice the meatloaf into 1-inch thick pieces and serve alongside the prepared broccoli. Optional: Drizzle with additional olive oil or sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality ground beef with a fat content around 15-20% to ensure maximum flavor and moisture.
- Let the meat mixture rest for 10 minutes before shaping to allow breadcrumbs to absorb moisture, creating a more tender meatloaf.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches exactly 160°F for food safety without overcooking.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest after cooking to help redistribute juices, preventing a dry texture.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to your mixture or topping with a light marinara sauce before serving.
- Choose a cast-iron skillet if possible, as it provides the most even heat distribution and creates the perfect golden crust.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 100mg
