Ingredients:
For the Meat Rolls:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or pork (or a mix of both)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tsp dried parsley)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Spinach and Cheese Stuffing:
- 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped, or use frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Stuffing:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted and any excess moisture has evaporated, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or pork, egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined but avoid overmixing.
3. Assemble the Meat Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a large sheet of parchment paper or plastic wrap, flatten out the meat mixture into a rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Spread the spinach and cheese stuffing evenly over the meat, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Carefully roll up the meat from one side to the other, using the parchment paper to help guide the roll.
- Transfer the rolled meat to a baking dish or a lined baking sheet, seam side down.
4. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- If desired, you can broil the meat rolls for the last 2-3 minutes to get a nice golden brown crust.
5. Serve:
- Let the meat rolls rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
Enjoy your flavorful and cheesy meat rolls with spinach!
