Meatloaf in a Pan

Meatloaf is a classic dish in Italian cuisine, very versatile and loved by both adults and children. The pan version is quicker than the baked one and just as tasty. Here’s the recipe for a delicious pan-fried meatloaf:

Ingredients

• 500g of ground meat (beef or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 egg
• 80g of stale bread
• 100ml of milk
• 50g of grated cheese (Parmesan or pecorino)
• 1 clove of garlic
• Chopped parsley (to taste)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Flour (for dusting the meatloaf)
• 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 200ml of tomato sauce or vegetable broth (depending on preference)

Preparation

1. Start by soaking the stale bread in milk for a few minutes until it softens. Then squeeze to remove the excess milk.

2. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, the soaked bread, the egg, the grated cheese, the finely chopped garlic (if you like), the parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix all ingredients well until you get a homogeneous mixture.

3. Shape the mixture into a meatloaf, then coat it in flour making sure the breading sticks to all sides.

4. Heat the oil in a suitably large pan and brown the meatloaf on all sides until a golden crust forms.

5. At this point, lower the heat and add the tomato sauce or broth. Cover with a lid and let it cook for about 30-40 minutes. Turn it occasionally to ensure even cooking. If necessary, add more liquid during cooking.

6. Once cooked, let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

This meatloaf can be served with a side of vegetables or a simple salad. As an alternative to tomato sauce for cooking, you could use white wine to deglaze and then add a little vegetable broth.

Curiosity

In many Italian families, meatloaf is a Sunday dish or for special occasions, often rich in regional variations and personal touches. For example, some add fillings like spinach, various cheeses, or cured meats such as cooked ham or mortadella to make each slice even more flavorful and delicious.