Polpettone Recipe Guide

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Polpettone

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Equipment Needed
• Mixing bowl
• Baking dish or loaf pan
• Oven
• Frying pan (for optional sautéing)
• Meat thermometer (optional)

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• 1 lb 450g ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs Italian-style is best
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup cooked spinach or other vegetables optional
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce for topping
• Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

 

• Method
• Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, cooked spinach (if using), oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
• Step 2: Shape the Polpettone
• Lightly grease a baking dish or loaf pan. Transfer the meat mixture into the pan, shaping it into a loaf.
• If you like, you can create a well in the center and fill it with more cooked vegetables or cheese for a surprise inside!
• Step 3: Bake
• Pour the marinara sauce over the top of the meatloaf.
• Cover with foil and bake for about 45 minutes.
• Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). The top should be nicely browned.
• Step 4: Let It Rest
• Once done, remove the Polpettone from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps retain the juices and makes it easier to slice.
• Step 5: Serve
• Slice the Polpettone and serve it warm, garnished with fresh parsley. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, a salad, or crusty bread.
• Variations
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground meat with lentils or a mix of beans and vegetables for a hearty meat-free version.
• Cheesy Delight: Add mozzarella or fontina cheese into the center for a gooey surprise.
• Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even a dash of chili flakes for extra heat.

Polpettone, a classic Italian meatloaf, is a dish that embodies the heart of Italian home cooking. It’s a comforting meal, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner. From my own personal experience, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of a Polpettone baking in the oven, filling your home with warmth and deliciousness. Let me show you how I make this flavorful dish, ensuring you feel confident and excited to try it at home.

Notes on What to Expect

When making Polpettone, expect a deliciously moist and flavorful dish. The combination of spices, cheese, and sauce makes every bite comforting. As it bakes, the aromas will fill your kitchen, enticing everyone around.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Time to Stand: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 6-8
• Calories (per serving): Approximately 350 calories
• Cost of Ingredients: $15-$20 (prices may vary by location)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Course
• Equipment Needed:
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking dish or loaf pan
  • Oven
  • Frying pan (for optional sautéing)
  • Meat thermometer (optional)
  • Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Polpettone  now.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style is best)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cooked spinach or other vegetables (optional)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for topping)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Polpettone  now.

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, cooked spinach (if using), oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

Step 2: Shape the Polpettone

1. Lightly grease a baking dish or loaf pan. Transfer the meat mixture into the pan, shaping it into a loaf.
2. If you like, you can create a well in the center and fill it with more cooked vegetables or cheese for a surprise inside!

Step 3: Bake

1. Pour the marinara sauce over the top of the meatloaf.
2. Cover with foil and bake for about 45 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). The top should be nicely browned.

Step 4: Let It Rest

1. Once done, remove the Polpettone from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps retain the juices and makes it easier to slice.

Step 5: Serve

1. Slice the Polpettone and serve it warm, garnished with fresh parsley. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, a salad, or crusty bread.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground meat with lentils or a mix of beans and vegetables for a hearty meat-free version.
• Cheesy Delight: Add mozzarella or fontina cheese into the center for a gooey surprise.
• Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even a dash of chili flakes for extra heat.
• Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Polpettone  now.

Tips and Substitutions

• Bread Crumbs: If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers or even oats as a binding agent.
• Milk: For a dairy-free option, substitute milk with almond milk or omit it altogether.
• Vegetables: Feel free to mix in whatever veggies you have on hand, such as bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~350
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 1g

I hope this guide has made making Polpettone seem a little less daunting. Have you tried it before? Please, be honest and let me know in the comments below! I love to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment. Happy cooking!