Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my *absolute favorite* dish—stuffed meatloaf roll! This dish is a classic, but with a delicious twist that makes it a total crowd-pleaser. Imagine a savory, tender meatloaf filled with gooey cheese and colorful veggies. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! I grew up enjoying this with my family, and the aroma wafting through the kitchen always brought us all together. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering, this stuffed meatloaf roll is always a hit. Plus, it’s super versatile! You can mix and match the fillings to suit your tastes. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your home too!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef: This is the star of the show! You can use lean ground beef for a healthier option or go for a fattier blend for that juicy flavor.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: These help bind everything together and add a nice texture. I usually use plain breadcrumbs, but feel free to use Italian-seasoned ones for extra flavor.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This adds a lovely nuttiness to the mixture. Make sure it’s finely grated for even distribution.
- 1 egg: This acts as a binder, helping everything hold together. Don’t skip it!
- 1/2 onion, chopped: I love using yellow onions for their sweetness, but you can use any kind. Just make sure they’re finely chopped for even cooking.
- 1 bell pepper, chopped: I usually go for red or yellow for their sweetness, but green works too! Chop it up finely so it blends well with the meat.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: This is the gooey goodness that melts inside! You can also mix in different cheeses like cheddar for a fun twist.
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce: This gets spread on top before baking, adding moisture and flavor. Use your favorite store-bought sauce or homemade if you have it!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t be shy with the seasoning! A little sprinkle goes a long way in enhancing all the flavors.
How to Prepare the Stuffed Meatloaf Roll
Alright, let’s dive into the magic of making this stuffed meatloaf roll! Trust me, once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll be rolling like a pro!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because starting with a hot oven ensures your meatloaf cooks evenly. You want that perfect golden crust on the outside and juicy goodness on the inside!
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. I like to get my hands in there and really mix it up—this helps create a nice, cohesive texture. Just be careful not to overmix; we want it tender, not tough!
Step 3: Form the Meatloaf
Now, let’s spread that meat mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Aim for a rectangle shape—about 1/2 inch thick. This shape is key because it makes rolling easier and helps the filling stay inside. Plus, it looks super neat when it’s done!
Step 4: Add Fillings
Time to add those colorful veggies and cheesy goodness! Sprinkle the chopped bell pepper and shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meat. Don’t hold back! You want to cover it well, so every slice has that delightful filling.
Step 5: Roll and Bake
Now for the fun part—carefully roll the meat mixture away from you into a tight log. Use the parchment paper to help guide the roll, making sure the seam is on the bottom when placed on the baking sheet. Finally, spread that marinara sauce over the top to keep everything moist and add flavor. Bake it in the oven for about 45 minutes, or until it’s cooked through. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep all those delicious juices in. Yum!
Tips for Success
Alright, here are my top tips to make sure your stuffed meatloaf roll turns out perfectly every time! First off, make sure to roll it tightly—this helps keep all those tasty fillings inside. If the roll is too loose, you might end up with a filling explosion during baking, and nobody wants that! Also, be careful not to overbake; keep an eye on it in the oven. I usually set a timer for about 40 minutes and start checking for doneness a bit early. You want it cooked through but still juicy! And lastly, let it rest for those 10 minutes before slicing. This step is crucial for retaining all those flavorful juices. Trust me, these little tips make a *big* difference!
Variations on the Stuffed Meatloaf Roll
One of the best things about this stuffed meatloaf roll is how adaptable it is! You can really get creative with your fillings and flavors. Here are some of my favorite variations that I think you’ll love:
- Cheesy Spinach: Add a handful of fresh spinach to the filling along with ricotta or feta cheese for a deliciously creamy texture and a pop of color!
- Mushroom Medley: Sauté some chopped mushrooms and mix them into the meat mixture for an earthy, umami flavor. It’s like adding a gourmet touch!
- Mexican Twist: Spice things up by adding taco seasoning, black beans, and corn instead of traditional fillers. Top it with salsa before baking for extra kick!
- Italian Herb Delight: Mix in fresh herbs like basil and oregano to the meat mixture, and swap out the marinara for pesto. It’s a flavor explosion!
- Sweet and Savory: For a unique twist, add some chopped apples or cranberries to the filling. The sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory meat!
- Different Cheeses: Don’t limit yourself to just mozzarella! Try using a mix of sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or even blue cheese for a bold flavor.
These variations not only keep things interesting but also allow you to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. So go ahead, mix it up and make this stuffed meatloaf roll your own! I promise, you won’t regret it!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of this stuffed meatloaf roll! Just a heads up, the nutrition values can vary quite a bit depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so take these numbers as a general guide rather than a precise calculation.
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
So, whether you’re keeping an eye on calories or just trying to enjoy a delicious meal, this stuffed meatloaf roll strikes a nice balance! Feel free to customize it to fit your dietary needs, and enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
I’ve got some common questions answered for you about this delightful stuffed meatloaf roll! Let’s clear up any doubts you might have.
How do I store leftover stuffed meatloaf roll?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It’ll keep well for about 3-4 days. Just reheat it in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I freeze the stuffed meatloaf roll?
Absolutely! This dish freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely after baking, then slice it and wrap each piece in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What should I serve with the stuffed meatloaf roll?
I love serving mine with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. You can also pair it with some extra marinara sauce for dipping—yum! It’s a versatile dish that goes well with just about anything.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the meat mixture and roll it up in advance, then cover it and store it in the fridge for a day before baking. This is a great way to save time on a busy weeknight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavor-packed with gooey cheese and fresh veggies in every bite.
- Versatile fillings mean you can customize it just the way you like.
- One dish for the whole family—it’s a crowd-pleaser!
- Great for meal prep; leftovers taste even better the next day!
Stuffed Meatloaf Roll: 7 Comforting Twists to Enjoy
- Całkowity Czas: 1 hour
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A delicious stuffed meatloaf roll filled with vegetables and cheese.
Składniki
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, onion, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the meat mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet into a rectangle.
- Sprinkle chopped bell pepper and mozzarella cheese over the meat.
- Roll the meat tightly into a log.
- Place the roll seam side down on the baking sheet.
- Spread marinara sauce over the top.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until cooked through.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Uwagi
- Use any ground meat of your choice.
- Feel free to add other vegetables as desired.
- Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 45 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Course
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 slice
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 3g
- Sód: 500mg
- Kwasy: 20g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 8g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 15g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Słowa kluczowe: stuffed meatloaf roll, meatloaf, stuffed meatloaf
