Recipe: Beef Italiano (rolled with cheese filling)

Beef Italiano
Source: Mel McNew

This recipe is a variation on the meatloaf theme that includes an Italian twist and a jellyroll technique that makes it a little more unusual.

1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
1 egg, beaten
1 cup bread crumbs
1 cup water
1/2 cup finely chopped onions
dash garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
dash cayenne pepper

Mix above ingredients together well in a mixing bowl. Then, roll or pat onto waxed paper into an even rectangle that is approx. 10 by 14 inches in size.

Filling:
2 small cans herbed tomato sauce (approximately 6.5 ounces each)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Pinch of oregano

Spread ground beef rectangle with one can tomato sauce, sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups Mozzarella cheese and pinch oregano over all. Reserve the remaining cheese and one can of sauce.

Roll up in jelly roll fashion with help of waxed paper. Place roll seam-side down in a lightly greased baking dish and cover with remaining can of tomato sauce.

Bake for 90 minutes at 400 degrees F. covered with foil for the majority of baking time. Remove foil for a crustier top for the last ten minutes.

Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese after removing from oven. Allow to rest for ten minutes before slicing.