tagAlt.meatloaf gd59952270

Italian Polpettone with Green Beans: Savory Meatloaf Delight

Bake this effortless Italian meatloaf and enjoy a practical, delicious way to savor those last green beans or any leftover veggies.
Add to favourites

    • ( Scored on 0 reviews )
tagAlt.meatloaf gd59952270

Italian Polpettone with Green Beans is a celebrated second course, embodying the homestyle flavors of Italy. This classic dish features a succulent meatloaf with a vibrant green bean filling, oven-baked to keep it lighter while locking in tenderness and juiciness. The finished loaf pairs exquisitely with a tangy sauce of mayonnaise and mustard, elevating its savory profile.

Historically, meatloaf—or "polpettone"—has been an ingenious way to utilize pantry staples and leftovers, transforming simple minced meat, eggs, and cheese into a celebratory centerpiece. Italian cooks often enrich the mixture with vegetables, frittatas, or whatever odds and ends might linger in the fridge, making each loaf unique.

In this recipe, we're embracing the last of the season's green beans, giving them a starring role in a dish that’s both resourceful and flavorful. Whether you prefer your beans whole or finely chopped into the mix, this method infuses every slice with freshness and color.

For more authentic Italian recipes and the latest culinary news, subscribe to the Mamablip newsletter and keep your kitchen inspired.

Ingredients

for 6 servings

Meatloaf ingredients

  • Ground Beef 600 grams
  • Bread (Slices) 200 grams
  • Sausages 400 grams
  • Parmesan cheese (Grated) 150 grams
  • Whole Milk 200 grams
  • Salt and Pepper as needed
  • Green Beans as needed

Try it with...

or show me more...

Preparation

for 6 servings

Step

1

Of 4

Create the Meatloaf Base

Begin by trimming the crust from your fresh bread and dicing it into cubes, aiming for approximately 150 g of soft breadcrumbs. Place these in a bowl and pour over enough milk to fully soak and tenderize the bread. Meanwhile, remove the casing from your Italian sausage and crumble the meat.

In a separate mixing bowl, combine ground beef, the prepared sausage, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, milk-soaked bread (lightly squeezed), whole eggs, a generous pinch of nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Blend these ingredients until a cohesive mixture forms.

Step

2

Of 4

Incorporate the Green Beans

Top and tail your green beans, then rinse thoroughly. Boil them in well-salted, bubbling water until just tender but retaining a slight crunch—this preserves their bright color and nutritional value.

Allow the beans to cool, then chop them into small pieces. Add them directly into your meat mixture, folding them in to distribute evenly throughout the loaf.

Step

3

Of 4

Shape and Prepare for Baking

With your hands, gently knead the mixture to ensure everything is well incorporated. Shape the seasoned meat into a compact cylinder, pressing firmly to help it hold together.

Set the formed polpettone on a sheet of parchment paper and brush the surface with high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for a golden, flavorful crust.

Step

4

Of 4

Bake to Perfection

Lightly oil the base of a large roasting pan and place your meatloaf in the center. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for 80–90 minutes.

Once done, let the polpettone rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot, ideally with a side of zesty mayonnaise-mustard sauce or your favorite Italian condiments for an authentic and satisfying meal.

Try it with...

or show me more...

Filippo Bartolotta

Filippo Bartolotta

...Great Italian Goodies!

You may like

tagAlt.Stew with Porcini Mushrooms and Polenta

Slow-Braised Beef and Porcini Mushrooms over Creamy Polenta

30 minutes 14 ingredients 502 kCal

(2) Beginner
tagAlt.Grilled Shrimp with Smoked Eggplant and Tomato Cream

Char-Grilled Shrimp with Smoked Eggplant Purée and Creamy Tomato Sauce

45 minutes 12 ingredients 285 kCal

(1) Beginner
tagAlt.Winter Orange Avocado and Fennel Salad

Citrus, Avocado, and Fennel Winter Salad

25 minutes 8 ingredients 309 kCal

(1) Beginner

Reviews

all.sign in to leave a review
About us

A tight-knit team with a dream: to create a virtual meeting place between chefs, journalists and producers with Italian food and wine lovers around the world. Mamablip is a technological neighborhood cafe where a simple and intuitive language is spoken. It allows anyone to get in touch with the places of production and their interpreters and live real experiences made of scents, flavors and desire to learn. Mamablip brings producers, produce, chefs and experts directly to your home, offering authentic content that enhances sustainability and respect for the planet.