Meatloaf Roll

Recipe View Prepare the Tomato Sauce: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Sauté the onion, green pepper, and celery until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. In a blender, combine the undrained whole tomatoes, tomato sauce, 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, sugar, oregano, 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and water; blend until smooth. Pour the tomato mixture into the saucepan and simmer over low heat for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. Stir in 1/4 cup parsley. Set aside. (Total time: ~ 1 hour 35 minutes)

Recipe View Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. (Total time: ~5 minutes)

Recipe View Assemble the Meatloaf Base: In a bowl, thoroughly mix together the ground beef, bread crumbs, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, Creole seasoning, cayenne pepper, and salt. Spread the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. (Total time: ~10 minutes)

Recipe View Create the Roll: Scatter the mozzarella cheese evenly over the meat. Spread 1/4 cup of the tomato sauce over the cheese. Sprinkle the sauce with 1/4 cup chopped parsley and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Gently pick up one end of the meat layer (the short side) and carefully roll the meat around the filling. Reposition the meat roll in the center of the dish and pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top. (Total time: ~15 minutes)

Recipe View Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven until the roll is no longer pink in the center, approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center to ensure it reaches at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). (Total time: ~45-60 minutes)