Description
Polpettone Americano is a flavorful fusion of Italian and American comfort food. This juicy, bacon-wrapped meatloaf combines tender beef, Parmesan, and aromatic herbs for a satisfying family dinner. Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, it’s the ultimate dish for cozy nights, Sunday gatherings, or hearty weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp ketchup or tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 10–12 slices bacon
Optional Glaze:
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, onion, garlic, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
- Shape the Polpettone: Form into an even loaf shape and place in the prepared baking dish.
- Wrap with Bacon: Lay bacon slices over the loaf, overlapping slightly, and tuck the edges underneath to secure.
- Bake and Glaze: Bake for 45–55 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If using glaze, brush over the top during the last 15 minutes for a shiny finish.
- Rest and Serve: Let the loaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley and drizzle with olive oil if desired.
Notes
- Use a meat mix: Combine beef and pork for extra moisture and flavor.
- Don’t overmix: Overworking the meat can make it dense.
- Add milk: It softens breadcrumbs and keeps the texture moist.
- Bake uncovered: Ensures the bacon crisps up perfectly.
- Let it rest: Resting before slicing keeps it juicy and tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: Polpettone Americano, Italian Meatloaf, Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf, Italian Dinner Recipes, Comfort Food, Ground Beef Recipes, Yummy Dinners