Best Easy Polpettone alla Napoletana Recipe

A large Neapolitan meatloaf braised in tomato sauce, sliced and served family-style. This high protein mediterranean dish is a freezer-friendly carnivore classic that feeds a crowd generously.

Cook 60 min Difficulty NORMAL 380 kcal
#mediterranean #high protein
Image coming soon
Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • ground beef 1 lb
  • ground pork 0.5 lb
  • eggs 2 pieces
  • fresh breadcrumbs 1 cup
  • whole milk 0.33 cup
  • Parmesan cheese 0.5 cup
  • provolone cheese 4 oz
  • ham 4 slices
  • fresh parsley 0.25 cup
  • onion 1 small
Seasonings/Sauce
  • kosher salt 1.5 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • dried oregano 1 tsp
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
  • garlic cloves 2 cloves
  • canned crushed tomatoes 28 oz
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 17 g 18%
Protein 27 g 29%
Fat 21 g 53%
Serving size 200g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, eggs, breadcrumbs soaked in milk, Parmesan, parsley, grated onion, and seasoning (salt, pepper, oregano). Mix just until uniform—do not overwork.

  2. 2

    On a sheet of parchment paper, pat the meat mixture into a 10x8 inch rectangle. Lay ham and provolone slices evenly over the surface, leaving a 1-inch border.

  3. 3

    Using the parchment to help, carefully roll the meat up jelly roll-style. Seal the ends and edges well to prevent filling from escaping.

  4. 4

    Heat olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the meatloaf seam-side down and brown on all sides for 8–10 minutes, adjusting heat to avoid burning.

  5. 5

    Add garlic and cook briefly, then pour in crushed tomatoes. Spoon some sauce over the top, cover with foil, and transfer to oven. Bake for 45–50 minutes, basting occasionally. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The defining elements of Polpettone alla Napoletana are a blend of ground beef and pork, enriched with eggs, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan. The inclusion of provolone cheese and ham inside the rolled meatloaf distinguishes its flavor and gives it that classic Neapolitan touch.
Q. How is the meatloaf kept moist and tender during cooking?
Moisture is ensured by soaking breadcrumbs in milk, which is then mixed gently with the meats and eggs. Avoid overmixing—this keeps the texture light. Covering while braising the meatloaf in tomato sauce and resting after baking helps retain juiciness.
Q. What steps are critical to prevent the Polpettone from falling apart or overcooking?
Careful rolling and sealing of the meatloaf avoids filling leaks. Searing on medium heat forms a crust while oven braising in sauce ensures even cooking. Allowing it to rest before slicing lets it firm up and hold together perfectly.
Q. How many calories and how much protein does each serving provide?
Each 200g serving delivers about 380 kcal and a generous 27g of protein. Protein forms approximately 29% of the total calories, making this dish particularly beneficial for those seeking a protein-rich Mediterranean meal.
AI 채팅 아이콘