Florentine Beef Pinwheel

Meatloaf is not just one of the classic comfort foods, it can also play the 'roll' of dinner party food—like this elegant spinach stuffed meatloaf.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
3/4 cup soft bread crumbs
1 large egg
1 1/4 teaspoons salt - divided use
1/8 teaspoon black ground pepper
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - divided use
3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
3 tablespoons tomato ketchup

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine ground beef; bread crumbs, egg 1 teaspoon of the salt and the pepper; mixing lightly but thoroughly. Combine spinach, 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese, the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, remaining 1/4 teaspoon and the garlic powder. Place beef mixture on waxed paper and pat into 14 x 10-inch rectangle. Spread spinach mixture over beef to 3/4-inch of edge on all sides. Roll up, jelly-roll fashion, starting at short end. Press beef mixture over spinach filling at both ends to seal. Place loaf, seam side down, on rack in open roasting pan.
3. Bake for 1 hour. Spread ketchup over loaf; continue baking 15 minutes. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese over loaf. Sprinkle with additional Italian seasoning, if desired.

Makes 6 servings.

Recipe provided courtesy of Beef Industry Council.