Pretty Meatloaf... An Oxymoron?

Ok... I admit it, I like meatloaf.
I make lots of meatloaf.
Many different kinds of meatloaf.

Meatloaf has gotten a bad rap for years.
Meatloaf can be good.
Meatloaf can be really REALLY good!

It doesnt have to be that heavy, dry, brick-like thing your Aunt Elenore used to make.
It can be kinda fancy.
It can be juicy, flavorful, and pretty.
Yes... I said pretty.

Tonight I finally perfected my new meatloaf recipe and it IS indeed pretty!

OK.. maybe it's not pretty like a sunset or a beautiful blooming rose.
But this is the prettiest meatloaf I've seen.
Don'tcha think it's pretty? In a ground beef kinda way?
This recipe is a moist meatloaf with a swirl of ham and spinach, topped with mozzarella cheese.
Can I get an Amen?


Dana's Swirled Meatloaf

Meatloaf

• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 2 eggs
• 3 slices bread, fresh, blended to coarse crumbs
• 1/3 cup pizza sauce, spaghetti sauce, or ketchup
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper, freshly ground
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 cloves chopped garlic

Filling

• 6 ham slices
• 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  

Topping

• 3/4cup mozzarella cheese, grated

Directions

1. Add all of the meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl, mix thoroughly.
2. spread meatloaf mixture onto a sheet of aluminum foil, into a rectangle, approx 10x12 inches.
3. Lay ham slices covering the meatloaf mixture. approx 1 inch from the edges.
4. spread the spinach evenly over the ham slices and sprinkle with onion powder.
5. carefully roll your meatloaf, starting at the widest edge (think jelly roll), use the almunum foil to help it roll.
6. Place in a baking dish and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 1hr 15min, or until the center reaches 155 degrees.
7. sprinkle the top with cheese and return to the oven for 1-2 minutes to melt.
8. slice and enjoy!