Rolled Italian Meat Loaf

You all know how I like roulades!  But I usually have only ever made my rolls sweet.  I guess I have gone over into the savory category now.  I saw this recipe & knew I had to try it.  It really was quite simple & is a lot prettier than your typical meat loaf.  I loved having a filling inside.  So much better than a slice of regular old meat loaf.  Surprise your dinner guests with this fun & delicious classic!
 

Rolled Italian Meat Loaf

Recipe altered from Betty Crocker by: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)

• 1 lb ground beef (I used 80/20)
• 1 lb Italian Sausage 
• 1 egg
• 1 cup marinara/pasta sauce, divided (I used Classico Florentine Spinach & Cheese)
• 1/4 cup Italian style bread crumbs
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 2 cups shredded 6 cheese Italian cheese blend (use whatever Italian cheeses you have, I had a mix of 3 cheese & shredded parmesan)
• 2 cups loosely packed fresh spinach leaves

1. Heat oven to 350*F.  In a large bowl, mix ground beef, sausage, egg, 1/2 cup marinara sauce, bread crumbs, & pepper.
2. On wax paper, pat mixture into a 12x8" rectangle.  Sprinkle evenly with cheese; gently press into meat.  Top with spinach.  Starting on one end (I rolled mine starting on the 12" side) roll up tightly, using wax paper to start roll & tucking in spinach leaves; seal ends.  Place seam side down in an ungreased 9x13" glass baking dish.  
3. Bake 1 hour.  Spread remaining marinara sauce over top.  Bake 15 minutes longer or until thermometer inserted in meat loaf reads 160*F.  Let stand 5-10 minutes before serving.

Makes 8 servings.

You all know how I like roulades!  But I usually have only ever made my rolls sweet.  I guess I have gone over into the savory category now.  I saw this recipe & knew I had to try it.  It really was quite simple & is a lot prettier than your typical meat loaf.  I loved having a filling inside.  So much better than a slice of regular old meat loaf.  Surprise your dinner guests with this fun & delicious classic!
 

Rolled Italian Meat Loaf

Recipe altered from Betty Crocker by: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)

• 1 lb ground beef (I used 80/20)
• 1 lb Italian Sausage 
• 1 egg
• 1 cup marinara/pasta sauce, divided (I used Classico Florentine Spinach & Cheese)
• 1/4 cup Italian style bread crumbs
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 2 cups shredded 6 cheese Italian cheese blend (use whatever Italian cheeses you have, I had a mix of 3 cheese & shredded parmesan)
• 2 cups loosely packed fresh spinach leaves

1. Heat oven to 350*F.  In a large bowl, mix ground beef, sausage, egg, 1/2 cup marinara sauce, bread crumbs, & pepper.
2. On wax paper, pat mixture into a 12x8" rectangle.  Sprinkle evenly with cheese; gently press into meat.  Top with spinach.  Starting on one end (I rolled mine starting on the 12" side) roll up tightly, using wax paper to start roll & tucking in spinach leaves; seal ends.  Place seam side down in an ungreased 9x13" glass baking dish.  
3. Bake 1 hour.  Spread remaining marinara sauce over top.  Bake 15 minutes longer or until thermometer inserted in meat loaf reads 160*F.  Let stand 5-10 minutes before serving.

Makes 8 servings.