Meatloaf stuffed with Mozzarella and Basil

(If you watched the video, we were serving 10 people with very healthy appetites.  The following recipe has been scaled down to serve about 6 servings.

1 1/2 lbs of 80/20 sirloin hamburger

1 lb of ground Italian sausage

1 Tablespoon of crushed fennel seeds (a mortar & pestle)

1 small onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 1/2 cups fresh breadcrumbs

1/2 cup of fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon of Salt

1/2 teaspoon of pepper

2 fresh eggs, well beaten

1/4 cup of V-8 juice

1/4 cup dry white Wine

a large bunch of fresh Basil leaves, chopped

1 lb of fresh Mozzarella cheese, sliced about 1/4″ thick.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients together except for the Basil leaves and Mozzarella Cheese.

Using either a silicone mat or parchment paper, spread the mixture out with your hands or a rolling pin until mixture is about 1/2″ thick.

Place mozzarella cheese in rows across the mixture leaving a few inches between each row.

Top the mixture with chopped Basil leaves.  Now lifting the edge of the silicone mat or parchment paper and begin rolling the mixture in a jelly-roll fashion.

Now lifting the edge of the silicone mat or parchment paper and begin rolling the mixture in a jelly-roll fashion.

Place rolled mixture in a glass pyrex dish and roast for 1 hour.

Check for an internal temperature of 170 degrees since this is made with pork and beef products. 

Remove meatloaf from oven and top with 4 slices of mozzarella cheese and roast until cheese is melted.

Allow meatloaf to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Top with optional Tomato Sauce or Marinara sauce.

Bon Appetit!!!