Rolled meatloaf with ham, cheese & spinach

This recipe has been one of the most popular ones with readers so far and also one of my favourite.  It is a meatloaf (& I don't usually like meatloaf) that tastes like spaghetti & meatballs!

Rolled meatloaf with ham, cheese & spinach

• 1kg lean beef mince
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 Tbspn fresh/dried parsley
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
• salt & pepper to taste
• 100g ham
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 2 cups grated cheese
• 500g bottled pasta sauce
• 1/2 cup water

Step 1
Place a large sheet of aluminium foil on the bench. In a large bowl, combine mince, garlic, parsley, eggs, breadcrumbs, salt & pepper. Mix with hands until well combined.

Step 2
Tip mince onto foil & shape into a large rectangle, approx 1.5cm thick.  Spread the ham, cheese & spinach over the rectangle, leaving 2cm around the edge with no topping.

Step 3
Take the long edge of the foil, tightly roll the meatloaf away from you, tucking in cheese & spinach as you go.  Pull back the foil as you roll.  Seal the ends of the mince so the filling doesn't leak out.

Step 4
Wrap the entire loaf in foil & refrigerate until required.

Cooking

Step 5
Preheat oven to 180 degrees c. Place the loaf (wrapped in foil) into a large baking dish.  Bake, covered in foil for 1 hr, then open the foil and pour approx 1/2 of the pasta sauce over the meatloaf.  Add 1/2 cup water to the bottle of sauce, shake to mix with remining sauce in bottle.  Pour this over meatloaf also.  Bake, uncovered for a further 15 mins.

Tips: Substitute ham, cheese & spinach for your favourite ingredients.  Try semi-dried tomatoes, bacon or whole boiled eggs. 

Storage: in fridge, covered or in airtight container for up to 3 days.

This recipe & more can be found in 'Food before 5'.  Purchase for only $19.95 from www.foodbefore5.com.au