Polpettone is a mouthwatering Italian Stuffed Meatloaf that uses either venison or beef as its main ingredient. But this is not your ordinary meatloaf recipe. Our version uses special ingredients like garlic, parsley, eggs, and Parmesan cheese that lift this popular meat dish from the ordinary to the extraordinary. Our Italian venison meatloaf version goes a little further by stuffing the loaf with mozzarella cheese filling that melts smooth and creamy. A comfort food that will become a family favorite.
For this recipe you will need 2 pounds of meat (we use a combination of venison and hot Italian pork sausage), garlic, olive oil, onions, eggs, fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, bread crumbs, buttermilk, parmesan cheese, chipotle, mozzarella cheese.
Polpettone just an oversized Italian meatball
Polpette are Italian meatballs; polpettine are tiny meatballs. Polpettone is Italian for meatloaf or a huge meatball that is large enough to share -- or not. ????
The Italian version has no tomato sauce in it. Their version is savory with a mixture of meats and sometimes stuffed with spinach, herbs, cheese, and at times mortadella (a luncheon meat).
Sometimes you'll find lemon zest, cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg in the Italian meatloaf. And instead of soaking the bread in milk, they use red or white wine and even vermouth.
The ingredients for our Polpettone Italian stuffed meatloaf is basically the same as garlicky meatballs or spicy venison meatballs.
Venison Polpettone Italian Meatloaf
Polpettone or "big meatball" is a classic in Italian cuisine. There are variations of this huge meatball in just about every region of the country.
- Liguria -- made with a mixture of green beans, potatoes, and onions, no meat.
- Tuscany -- ground veal, carrots, and onions.
- Rome --Lamb, eggs, white wine, and celery.
- Emilia Romagna -- ground beef, pancetta, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Southern Italy -- prepared directly in the pan with some onions and diced canned tomatoes.
So, since Italians have no steadfast rules for meatloaf, we decided to use venison to make our own version of polpettone.
And instead of the pancetta or mortadella, some of the regions use, we mixed in hot Italian sausage. Very spicy and tasty!! ????
One very non-Italian ingredient we included was a touch of chipotles in adobo sauce. We love the spice and the smoky flavor it gives a dish.
What you need for a delicious meatloaf
- Aromatics -- onion, garlic, and additional vegetables of choice.
- Liquids -- wine, beer, dry sherry.
- Soaked bread or breadcrumbs.
- Meat, eggs, salt, and pepper.
- Herbs and spices.
- Flavor boosters -- such as scallions, lemon or lime zest, ginger, etc.
- Cheese.
- Glazes or bacon.
Meatloaf variation ideas
- Blue Cheese and Bacon -- Bison, celery, blue cheese, bacon.
- Double Mushroom and Sherry -- Veal, pork, fresh mushrooms, dry sherry, dried mushrooms, thyme, sage, ketchup glaze.
- Turkey, Bacon, and Fennel -- Turkey, fennel, white wine, scallions, fennel seeds, crushed rep pepper flakes, bacon.
- Indian-Spiced Lamb -- Lamb, beef, carrot, red bell pepper, fresh ginger, jalapeño, cilantro, garam masala, honey glaze.
- Sausage, Lemon, and Parmesan -- Beef, veal, sweet Italian sausage, white wine, lemon zest, Parmigiano - Reggiano, parsley, honey glaze.
- Southwestern Spicy Pork and Bell Pepper -- Pork, bison, red bell pepper, jalapeño, lime zest, cilantro, cumin, mild chili powder, chipotle glaze.
- Stout and Cheddar -- beef, veal, carrot, celery, stout beer, dried mushrooms, Cheddar, parsley, bacon.
- Greek Olive, Red wine, and Feta -- Lamb, red wine, lemon zest, black olives, feta, oregano, honey glaze.
Can you believe all the amazing variations? Polpettone Italian Stuffed Meatloaf is not going to be the end of our journey into this comfort food adventure.
If you have some game meat, try out one of the recipes. Which one would you want to try first?
Have you downloaded the free printable meat chart? It shows the cuts of meat and the best way to prepare them. Hurry and get it here.
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Polpettone Italian Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe
Meatloaf is certainly one of our family's favorite comfort food. It brings back wonderful memories of our childhood and smelling the wonderful aroma that permeated the entire house. The key to a delicious meatloaf is striking the right balance between the meat, bread, liquid, and spices. For this recipe, we decided to use ground venison in combination with hot pork sausage. We added ingredients that we love then topped it all with bacon. If you like this recipe please consider giving it a five-star rating.
📖 Recipe
Polpettone Italian Stuffed Meatloaf|Venison or Beef
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb ground venison
- ½ lb pork sausage
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo sauce
- ⅓ cup Panko crumbs
- 3 tablespoon buttermilk
- 3 tablespoon parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup mozzarella
- 1 tablespoon Tuscan seasoning (or Italian seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
- 2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 4 slices bacon
Instructions
- 1) Heat the oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the onion and garlic stirring frequently, until softened, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool. 2) Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 375 F. 3) Sprinkle the Panko crumbs over the aromatics. 4) Add the venison, pork, and beaten eggs in the bowl. Scatter all of the ingredients except for the bacon and mozzarella cheese.5) Put a little bit of olive oil on the palms of your hands. Gently mix all the ingredients until just combined -- try not to compact the mixture as you do this. 6) Tear a long sheet of wax paper and place in on the counter. Scoop the mixture onto the wrap and make a rectangle using your hands to pat it out. Sprinkle the mozzarella in the middle. Sprinkle a little bit more parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella if desired. Use the wax paper to help you roll the meat away from you. Using the wax paper bring the other side toward you. Pat to form a log. 7) Make sure the ends of the loaf is sealed. You don't want the cheese to ooze out. 8) Transfer the meatloaf to an oil sprayed baking pan. 9) Lay the bacon strips diagonally on the meatloaf. 10) Bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center of the meatloaf registers 160 F. for 40 to 55 minutes. When it is finished, broil the meatloaf about 6 inches from the broiler element until the bacon is brown and crisp. 11) Let rest for 10 minutes. With a large spatula, transfer to a cutting board or serving platter. Cut into ¾ to 1-inch-thick slices. 12) Optional: Add homemade or your favorite marinara sauce on top.
Notes
Nutrition
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Helen
Great fir a family dinner! So delicious!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Helen, for taking the time to comment. We really appreciate it and so glad you enjoyed it. xoxo
swathi
This stuffed meatloaf looks delicious Marisa. Perfect and flavorful meal , My hubby love meat loaf, I need to make it for him.
Jenni LeBaron
This looks incredibly flavorful. I love the little zip from the adobo. That's an unexpected but welcome touch to the seasoning!
Veena Azmanov
I love stuffed meatloaf. My mom often made them. This would make a perfect side dish for a festive occasion. Absolutely comfort food and always welcome leftovers. Love meatloaf sandwiches.
Claudia Lamascolo
One of our favorite ways to eat meatloaf is this. I love how gourmet it turns into. Mom used to make it for special occasions there were always a fight over the hard boiled egg inside who would get them. I love your version its a little different but sure looks delicious
Eileen Kelly
I can only say, absolutely delicious! So much flavor packed into this amazing "meatloaf" which is really a thing of beauty. The bacon is just a delicious icing on the cake! A must make meal for everyone!
Michelle
It's so interesting that each region of italy has their own version, I never knew that!
Kylee from Kylee Cooks
I really need to learn not to look at your posts when I'm hungry. This looks like it needs to be in my belly, Marisa!!
Dahn
oh yummmy!! Italian style AND topped with bacon! This is comfort food at its best. I have a bunch of venison and love making meatloaf with it. So good!!
Veena Azmanov
My mom used to make meatloaf but with beef. I love stuffed meatloaf really does make it extra special. The best part is left over because mom would use them for school sandwiches. yum!
Denise
Every time I read one of your posts I feel like I'm in a Italian cooking class! This looks delicious and I can't wait to give it a try. I love how you explain about the liquid and aromatics, etc. Good info!
Jean | DelightfulRepast.com
Marisa, what a beautiful plate of food! We love a good meatloaf, and one that is like a giant meatball is definitely going on the must-make list!
Lois. O
Great take on a meatloaf. Going to try this out with the family.
Eileen
When my family came to Long Island, our neighbor was Italian and she taught me so many recipes and this brings me back. I love that you added venison to a version. Absolutely delish!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Eileen. You'll have to tell me some of the recipes she taught you. Every region in Italy has different recipes that are delicious. xoxo
Ciao Chow Linda
Wow, I never thought of all those variations. I have to branch out from my old standard. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas!
Marisa Franca
Hello, Linda! I did have a wonderful Christmas and I hope you did as well. I certainly do like the versatility of venison but also the many meatloaf variations.Felice Anno Nuovo!
Elena
What a great holiday main! The recipe doesn't seem hard to make at all! Merry Christmas Marisa!
Marisa Franca
Hello, Elena! The recipe is quite easy!! Hope you give it a try. Happy New Year!
prasanna hede
looks so flavorful, perfect for a get-together!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, it is very tasty!!
Jessica (Swanky Recipes)
I'm always looking for new venison recipes to make for the holidays. I usually head home and I love to share new recipes with my father, like this one. I can't wait to try this, yum!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Jessica! This was really a very tasty dish! We do like venison and it's only recently that we've enjoyed it -- thanks to our son. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Leslie
I love the idea of the Sausage, Lemon, and Parmesan combo - gonna have to give that a try!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Leslie! You certainly can't go wrong with those ingredients. Let me know how you like it.xoxo
Michelle
That meatloaf looks fantastic - I love the idea of it oozing with delicious cheese!
Christine
This sounds delicious! My husband would love this dish. Perfect for our next date night!
Helene
I had no idea that there was such a big difference between the regions, the way they make it and serve polpettone. Of course I had heard of this before but I have never had a chance to enjoy an Italian Christmas feast. My mum told me that her Italian grandmother would invite everyone when she was a child and prepare these wonderful dishes for the whole family.
Amy
Oh, this looks so delicious! Pinned! Meatloaf is one of my favorite meals to eat. And I love the idea of a large meatball.
Emily Leary
Great way of breaking down what goes into making your perfect meatloaf! I think you've pretty much cracked it, this looks delicious.
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Emily! It was very good. I'm anxious to try more of the variations. xoxo
Chiara
Il polpettone è sempre una buona idea !Felice natale Marisa, un abbraccio !
Marisa Franca
Grazie, Chiara! Felicie natale e Buon Anno Nuovo. Un abbraccio forte!
Jolina
Stuffed meatloaf is one of my favourite things. I love how you provided so many variation ideas.
Marisa Franca
You're welcome, Jolina! I hope you get a chance to try out some of the variations. Merry Christmas!!
Chrisy
I had no idea this excited and it's GENIUS! Would be such a hit at our house, can't wait to make it!
Marisa Franca
It's mighty tasty, Chrisy! The beauty of the meatloaf is you can add your favorite seasonings and cheese. Merry Christmas!xoxo
Susie
First, I’m sorry I missed your video this afternoon.....I enjoyed watching it while having coffee before dinner. I’ve been wanting to call you but know you’re busy with Christmas preparations....same at our end.
What a variation of meatloaf recipes.....I like the fact you can take this recipe to so many levels......ALWAYS, a great comfort food and meatloaf sandwiches are the best.
Have a safe trip to and from Indy.......Tell all we send loving wishes for a beautiful, joyous Christmas and healthy, Happy New Year.????????????
Marisa Franca
Hi, Susie! I bet you are busy! This is such a sweet season and I always remember my dear in-laws and family. They always made Christmas such a wonderful time. I'm sure you're doing the same with your grandsons. Sending lots of love to you and the family. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! ❤️
Arlene Mobley
Looks delicious and has me craving some fresh venison!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Arlene! I wish I could send you some. Have a great weekend. xoxo
April
wow! my boys would LOVE if i made this for them! it's going on the grocery list! <3
Marisa Franca
Hi, April! Will you ever be popular with your boys!! Merry Christmas!
Veena Azmanov
That looks so scrumptious Marisa. I love meatloaf but have never had venision yet.. The seasoning sounds so flavorful. I can almost smell the spices...
Marisa Franca
Hi, Veena! If you like meat you'd like venison. Very low calorie! We really enjoyed that recipe. Give it a try with beef. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas!
annie@ciaochowbambina
You probably know that my love for meatballs is huge!! And only because it's the holidays will I share! 😉 This is gorgeous! Happy Holidays, my friend! xo
Marisa Franca
Don't all Italians love meatballs, Annie? They are just nuggets of goodness. The meatloaf is just a huge nugget of goodness. Sending Merry wishes for the Holidays! Un abbraccio forte!
Denise Wright
You make me want to go to Italy again every time I read your posts. So interesting to learn about your culture! This sounds much like my brother in law's meatballs and he makes the best! My family will love this. Can't wait to make it!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Denise!! Yep in Italy meatloaf is just a huge meatball. YUM!! Have a Merry Christmas! ????
Wendy | Around My Family Table
Oh my goodness...this looks soooo good. I'm gonna need to add it to my menu!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Wendy!! Great comfort food for a family! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas. ????????
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy
This looks so delicious. Perfect comfort food...and I would like to give venison a try. I will have to ask my neighbour for some.
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Gloria! It is great comfort food and it tastes great in a sandwich too. ????
Jovina
What a fantastic meatloaf! It has wonderful ingredients and lots of flavor. Looks big enough to get lots of meals from the loaf, so very economical.
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Jovina! It is a great meat extender and tasty to boot. xoxo