Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Meatloaf

Here's a tasty twist on an old favorite! And let's face it, nothing says comfort food more than a homemade meatloaf hot out of the oven—and this special meatloaf has presentation, as well!

Recipe Ingredients:

Meatloaf:
1 1/2 pound lean ground beef
3/4 cup soft bread crumbs
1 large egg, slightly beaten
1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Filling:
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

Topping:
3 tablespoons ketchup
1/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Italian seasoning (optional)

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
2. For Meatloaf: In large bowl, combine meatloaf ingredients, mixing lightly, but thoroughly.
3. For Filling: In medium bowl, combine filling ingredients; mix well. Set aside.
4. Place beef mixture on waxed paper and pat into 14x10-inch rectangle. Spread filling over beef, leaving 3/4-inch border about edges. Starting at short end, roll up jelly-roll fashion. Press beef mixture over spinach filling at both ends to seal. Place seam side down on rack in open roasting pan. Bake in oven 1 hour.
5. For Topping: Spread ketchup over loaf; return to oven and continue baking 15 minutes or until beef is no longer pink.
6. Top loaf with mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with additional Italian seasoning, if desired.
7. To serve, cut into 1-inch thick slices.

Makes 6 servings.

Recipe and photograph courtesy of The Beef Checkoff.