Italian Meat Loaf

Total Time Prep: 15 min. Bake: 55 min.
Yield 8 servings
Test Kitchen Approved
This yummy Italian meat loaf filled with tomato sauce and cheese is good enough to win over even those who typically dislike the traditional dish.

Ingredients

  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce, divided
  • 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
  • 1-1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 jar (6 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained
  • Optional: Marinara sauce and minced fresh oregano

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°. In large bowl, combine 3/4 cup tomato sauce, crumbs, egg, onion, salt and oregano; add beef. Mix lightly but thoroughly. Cut 2 pieces of waxed paper 15 in. long. Place meat mixture in center of 1 rectangle; cover with the other.
  2. With a rolling pin, press meat into a 13x9-in. rectangle. Remove top sheet of waxed paper. Top with cheese, mushrooms and remaining 1/4 cup tomato sauce. Roll up meat, jelly-roll style, starting at a narrow end; use waxed paper to help. Place meat seam side down; seal ends securely. Place in a greased 9x5-in. loaf pan.
  3. Bake for 30 minutes. Drain; bake until a thermometer reads 160°, 25-30 minutes longer. If desired, serve the meat loaf with marinara and oregano.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 245 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 677mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.

My husband doesn't even like meat loaf, but he'll always eat this one! He likes this dish because it offers a wide variety of flavors. —Myra Innes, Auburn, Kansas
Recipe Creator

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