Meatloaf Florentine Recipe
Description:
A delightful and hearty dish that transforms leftover spinach into a flavorful meatloaf, perfect for dinner. This Meatloaf Florentine, inspired by a recipe from meals.com, incorporates the vibrant flavors of Italian herbs and creamy cheeses, all while providing a nutritious twist with spinach. Though the recipe calls for frozen spinach, fresh spinach can easily be substituted, making it a versatile choice.
Cook Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Category: Meat
Servings: 6
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 from 13 reviews)
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Tomato sauce |
| 1 | Dried oregano |
| 1 | Dried basil |
| 1/4 | Garlic powder |
| 1 | Ground beef |
| 3 | Salt |
| 1 | Pepper |
| 1/2 | Frozen chopped spinach (or fresh) |
| 1 | Mozzarella cheese |
| 1/4 | Parmesan cheese |
| 1 | Egg white |
| 1/3 | Italian seasoned bread crumbs |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 284.5 |
| Total Fat | 16.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 66.9 mg |
| Sodium | 697.9 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 10.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.1 g |
| Sugars | 3.1 g |
| Protein | 23.3 g |
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), allowing it to reach the optimal temperature for baking your meatloaf to perfection. -
Prepare the Sauce Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, and garlic powder. Stir the ingredients together until well blended, creating a fragrant sauce that will add a burst of flavor to the meatloaf. -
Mix the Meatloaf Filling:
In a larger mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian seasoned bread crumbs, egg white, salt, and pepper. Pour in half of the prepared tomato sauce mixture. Use your hands or a spatula to mix the ingredients thoroughly until everything is well incorporated. -
Shape the Meatloaf:
On a sheet of wax paper, press the meat mixture into a rectangular shape measuring approximately 8 x 10 inches. This will be the base for your filling. -
Add the Spinach and Cheese:
Spoon the chopped spinach over one half of the meat rectangle. Ensure it’s spread evenly for a balanced flavor in every slice. Then, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the spinach, being cautious not to extend too close to the edges, as this may cause the filling to leak during baking. -
Fold and Seal:
Carefully fold the meat over the spinach and cheese, enclosing the filling within the meat. Pinch the edges securely to seal the meatloaf, ensuring that none of the delicious filling escapes during the baking process. -
Prepare for Baking:
Place the meatloaf in a shallow baking pan. To allow the juices to drain while cooking, use a rack, strips of aluminum foil, or any method that keeps the loaf elevated above the bottom of the pan. -
Add Toppings:
Pour the remaining tomato sauce mixture over the top of the meatloaf, then sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly on top, which will create a beautiful crust as it bakes. -
Bake the Meatloaf:
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 1 hour. The meatloaf should be cooked through and golden brown on top. -
Rest Before Serving:
Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, making each slice moist and flavorful. -
Enjoy the Leftovers:
Consider serving any leftovers on a sandwich or a kaiser roll for a delicious meal the next day. The combination of flavors intensifies, making it an excellent option for lunch.
This Meatloaf Florentine is not just a meal; it’s a delightful way to enjoy greens in a satisfying and comforting dish that the entire family will love. Perfect for using up any leftover spinach while indulging in a savory meatloaf, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
