Ultimate Stuffed Meatloaf with Pancetta and Chestnut Ciabatta Stuffing
Indulge in this decadent Ultimate Stuffed Meatloaf, inspired by Giada De Laurentiis, featuring a savory blend of ground meats enveloping a luxurious stuffing of pancetta, roasted chestnuts, and herbs. This dish elevates classic meatloaf to new heights, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, this meatloaf is served with a rich marinara sauce and melted provolone cheese for a gooey finish. Savor each slice alongside the complementary ciabatta stuffing, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
28
Ingredients
Ingredients
small onion
1 (grated)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
fresh Italian parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
large eggs
2 (beaten)
ketchup
1/4 cup
salt
1 teaspoon
ground black pepper
3/4 teaspoon
dried breadcrumbs
2/3 cup
parmesan cheese
1 cup (grated)
ground beef
8 ounces
ground pork
8 ounces
ground veal
8 ounces
marinara sauce
1/2 cup
provolone cheese
3/4 cup (grated)
butter
6 tablespoons
pancetta
8 ounces (cut into 1/4-inch dice)
onions
2 (finely chopped)
carrots
2 (peeled and finely chopped)
celery ribs
3 (finely chopped)
fresh rosemary leaves
2 tablespoons (chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (chopped)
roasted peeled whole chestnuts
2 (7 1/2 ounce) jars (coarsely broken)
fresh Italian parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
day-old ciabatta
1 lb (cut into 3/4-inch cubes)
freshly grated parmesan cheese
2/3 cup
canned low sodium chicken broth
1 cup
salt & freshly ground black pepper
to taste
large eggs
2 (beaten to blend)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Stuffed Meatloaf with Pancetta and Chestnut Ciabatta Stuffing?
This is a decadent meatloaf recipe inspired by Giada De Laurentiis that features a blend of ground meats wrapped around a savory stuffing of pancetta, chestnuts, and ciabatta bread.
What types of meat are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for a traditional Italian-style blend of 8 ounces each of ground beef, ground pork, and ground veal.
What are the main components of the stuffing?
The stuffing consists of pancetta, roasted chestnuts, day-old ciabatta bread cubes, onions, carrots, celery, rosemary, and parmesan cheese.
How is the pancetta prepared for the stuffing?
The pancetta should be cut into a 1/4-inch dice and cooked with butter and vegetables to build the base of the stuffing.
What kind of bread is best for the stuffing?
One pound of day-old ciabatta bread, cut into 3/4-inch cubes, is recommended for the best texture.
What type of chestnuts are required?
The recipe specifies using two 7.5-ounce jars of roasted peeled whole chestnuts, which should be coarsely broken.
How many eggs are needed for the entire recipe?
A total of four large eggs are used: two beaten eggs for the meatloaf mixture and two beaten eggs to bind the stuffing.
What cheese is used inside the meatloaf mixture?
One cup of grated parmesan cheese is mixed directly into the meat for flavor and structure.
What cheese is used for the topping?
The meatloaf is finished with 3/4 cup of grated provolone cheese for a gooey, melted topping.
Is there a sauce served with this meatloaf?
Yes, it is served with 1/2 cup of marinara sauce and ketchup is also used within the meat mixture.
How should the onion be prepared for the meat mixture?
The small onion used in the meatloaf mixture should be grated to ensure it blends seamlessly and adds moisture.
What herbs are used in the stuffing?
The stuffing is flavored with fresh rosemary leaves and fresh Italian parsley.
What liquid is used to moisten the ciabatta stuffing?
One cup of canned low-sodium chicken broth is used to hydrate the bread cubes and other stuffing ingredients.
How much garlic is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses a total of six garlic cloves: three minced for the meatloaf and three chopped for the stuffing.
What vegetables are included in the stuffing base?
The stuffing includes finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery ribs, often referred to as a mirepoix.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs?
The meatloaf mixture requires 2/3 cup of dried breadcrumbs to help bind the meat.
What gives the meatloaf its Italian flavor profile?
The combination of pancetta, parmesan, provolone, marinara sauce, and fresh Italian parsley provides its distinct Italian character.
How is the meatloaf seasoned?
It is seasoned with salt, ground black pepper, and the natural saltiness from the parmesan and pancetta.
Why use a combination of three meats?
Using beef, pork, and veal provides a more complex flavor and a softer, more tender texture than using beef alone.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, the addition of chestnuts and pancetta makes this a more luxurious and festive version of standard meatloaf.
How do I prepare the chestnuts?
Since they are purchased roasted and peeled, you simply need to coarsely break them into pieces before adding to the stuffing.
What kind of butter is used?
The recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of butter, which is used to sauté the stuffing ingredients.
Is the ciabatta stuffing served inside or on the side?
The description indicates the meatloaf envelopes the stuffing, though it can also be served alongside the slices.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
While the exact count isn't specified, the use of 1.5 lbs of meat plus a pound of bread suggests it serves 6 to 8 people.
Does the recipe include fiber?
Yes, fiber is provided by the carrots, celery, onions, chestnuts, and ciabatta bread.
What is the role of ketchup in the meatloaf?
Ketchup adds a touch of sweetness, acidity, and moisture to the ground meat mixture.
Can I substitute the veal?
If veal is unavailable, you can substitute with additional ground beef or pork, though the texture may vary slightly.
Is the parmesan cheese used in both parts of the recipe?
Yes, 1 cup is used in the meatloaf and 2/3 cup is used in the ciabatta stuffing.
How large should the ciabatta cubes be?
The ciabatta should be cut into approximately 3/4-inch cubes for the proper stuffing consistency.
Who is the inspiration behind this specific meatloaf?
This recipe is inspired by the culinary style of Giada De Laurentiis.