Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Meatloaf

Recipe by:  Designs by Jeanne R 

Ingredients:

1 – 1/2 lbs. ground beef

1 egg

5 – 6 slices sandwich bread

1/2 cup ricotta cheese

1/2 cup chopped frozen spinach, defrosted

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon basil

1/2 teaspoon oregano

1 – 8 oz. can of tomato sauce

Directions:

In a medium sized bowl, add the ground beef, egg, seasonings, and the bread slices (which have been dipped in water, then squeezed to get the excess water out).  Using your hands, combine these ingredients thoroughly.

Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Meatloaf

Take half of the ground beef mixture, and place it in a baking dish sprayed with non-stick spray.  Form the bottom of the loaf, bringing up the edges, and patting down the center to form a shallow well.  Spread the ricotta cheese evenly inside the well, then top with the spinach.  Now form the top of the loaf with the remaining ground beef mixture, making sure the sides are sealed.

Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Meatloaf

Pour a 8 oz. can of tomato sauce over the top, sprinkle with additional seasonings if desired.

Place in a preheated 375 F oven and bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the internal temperature of the loaf reaches 170 F.

Recipe Notes:

Make it a meal!  Since the oven is already being used, toss in some cubed potatoes around the meatloaf so it can cook at the same time.  Later on, add some green beans, so that you’ve created a delicious potato & green bean side dish.  It will  soak up that wonderful tomato sauce & seasoned meat juices.

Instead of spinach, try sauteed mushrooms, onions, zucchini…be creative, and most of all, have fun!