Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Stuffed Rolled Meatloaf?
It is a unique twist on traditional meatloaf where the meat is flattened, filled with mozzarella cheese, and rolled into a log shape before being topped with a homemade tomato sauce.
How do you prepare the homemade sauce?
Mix whole tomatoes, tomato sauce, vegetables, and seasonings in a saucepan and cook over low heat for about 1.5 hours until the vegetables are tender.
What vegetables are in the sauce?
The sauce includes chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery.
How long should the sauce cook?
The sauce should simmer for approximately 1.5 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften.
What seasonings are used in the tomato sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with Italian seasoning, sugar, oregano, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley.
What kind of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses one pound of ground beef.
How do you prepare the bread for the meat mixture?
One slice of white bread should be soaked in water and then squeezed out before being mixed with the ground beef.
What seasonings are added to the meat?
The meat is seasoned with Creole seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper, and salt.
How do I assemble the meatloaf?
Spread the meat mixture in a greased baking dish, layer the cheese mixture on top, and roll it into a log, sealing the seams.
What is inside the cheese filling?
The filling consists of grated mozzarella cheese, a small amount of tomato sauce, fresh parsley, and Italian seasoning.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A greased 9x12 inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How do you prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Carefully pinch the seams of the meat roll to seal it and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.
What is the baking temperature?
The meatloaf should be baked in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the meatloaf need to bake?
It takes about 1 hour to cook through.
Should the meatloaf rest after baking?
Yes, let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing to help it hold its shape.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories, 11.7g of fat, 12.5g of carbohydrates, and 13.3g of protein.
What are the suggested side dishes?
This meatloaf pairs well with garlic mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad.
How much mozzarella cheese is used?
The recipe calls for one cup of grated mozzarella cheese.
Does the sauce use fresh or canned tomatoes?
The recipe uses one 14.5-ounce can of whole tomatoes and one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.
What is the purpose of adding sugar to the sauce?
A teaspoon of sugar is added to help balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the meat?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of Creole seasoning and red pepper to suit your heat preference.
Is there any liquid added to the sauce?
Yes, two cups of water are added to the sauce mixture before simmering.
How much parsley is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley in the sauce and another 1/4 cup in the cheese filling.
What kind of seasoning provides an 'Italian' flavor?
Italian seasoning and oregano are used in both the sauce and the cheese filling.
How much Worcestershire sauce is needed?
One teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce is added to the tomato sauce for depth of flavor.
What should I do if the meatloaf feels too dry?
Ensure the bread is properly soaked and squeezed, as this provides moisture to the beef mixture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 22 ingredients used in this dish.
Is this recipe suitable for a family meal?
Yes, it is described as a comforting meal perfect for impressing family and friends for dinner.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
The recipe specifically calls for garlic powder in both the sauce and the meat mixture.
Does the sauce cover the entire meatloaf?
Yes, the prepared tomato sauce should be poured over the rolled meatloaf to ensure it is well-coated before baking.