Italian Inspired Meatloaf

The other day I was reading Elly's Blog, and she had made an Italian Inspired Meatloaf....It really looked tasty, so I decided to try my own version.  First of all, I have to ask....Have you ever seen a pretty meatloaf?  Yeah...me either. LOL  But I will say this though....even though it may not be the best *looking* thing in photos, it sure as heck was good.  I served with a side of garlic smashed potatoes and peas.  It was a great way to sneak some spinach into the unsuspecting chilluns as well. (*bonus!*)  I threw this together in all of 10 minutes, and it took about 45 to bake.  Easy peasy for a busy day.

"italianish" meatloaf

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef

1 egg

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup bread crumbs

1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon oregano

1 tablespoon basil

garlic powder to taste

salt and pepper to taste

1 cup tomato sauce (divided)

1 bunch fresh spinach leaves, stemmed

2/3 cup motzarella cheese

Preparation:

Mix together all ingredients (excluding tomato sauce, spinach and motzarella cheese).

Spread meat mixture over a rectangular piece of foil (about 8 x 10).

Top with half of the tomato sauce.

Layer with spinach leaves.

Sprinkle with cheese.

Roll up the loaf, using the foil to help press the roll together (like for sushi).

Place loaf, seam side down, in a loaf pan, and cover with remaining tomato sauce.

Bake at 375º for about 45 minutes, or until done.

Drain excess fat.

Allow to rest 10 minutes before slicing.