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
Rolled Italian Meat Loaf
Rolled Italian Meat Loaf

Rolled Italian Meat Loaf

Ingredients

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 350*F. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, sausage, egg, ½ 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.
Recipe altered from Betty Crocker