Meat Cheese Roll
A savory meat roll filled with melted cheese and flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests with its comforting and hearty taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine ground beef, egg, Italian bread crumbs, chopped onion, 1/3 cup tomato sauce, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Shape the mixture into a flat rectangle, about 10 x 12 inches, on a piece of wax paper.
- Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meat mixture.
- Starting from the shortest end, roll up jelly roll fashion and press the ends to seal.
- Bake in a shallow baking pan for 1 hour.
- Drain off excess fat.
- Pour remaining tomato sauce over the roll.
- Garnish with remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese and green pepper rings.
- Bake an additional 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some garlic powder or Italian seasoning with the beef mixture. If you're out of Italian bread crumbs, you can substitute with plain bread crumbs or crushed crackers. Make sure to keep the roll tightly sealed to prevent it from falling apart during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Meat Cheese Roll with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Granny's Famous Chili for a hearty dinner. You can also slice it into smaller pieces for appetizers or game day snacks.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the roll in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Cheese Roll contains roughly 748 calories, with 17g protein, 125g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (101% of the Daily Value), protein (34% of the Daily Value), and calcium (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1887mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Cheddar or provolone can work well as substitutes for mozzarella, giving the roll a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the cheese you choose melts well.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
To make a healthier version, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of lean ground beef. You can also add finely chopped vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the meat mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture and roll it up the night before. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh the next day for a quick and delicious meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).