So Close Yet So Far...

I have a confession – we could care less about football in this house.  It would have been cool to see Buffalo make it all the way, just because they’re in our backyard and have been SO FAR from it for so long, but otherwise….The first Sunday of February is just another day.  

But football game or not, classic comfort food to warm up from winter weather IS key to survival in this house.  Mac n cheese, meatloaf, and chili all make appearances.  We make them in large quantities and then feast on the leftovers or toss some in the freezer for quick meals on busy nights.  This favorite recipe for Beef Roll Mozzarella adds an Italian twist on a classic meatloaf.  Let us know what you think!
(You can stock up on our ground beef at a great price here!)
Beef Roll Mozzarella
1 ½ lb ground beef
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
1 tsp onion powder
1 egg, beaten
½ C dry bread crumbs
4 oz chopped mushrooms
Liquid from canned mushrooms or ½ C water
½ green pepper, chopped
1 ½ C shredded mozzarella
1 (15oz) can tomato sauce
 
Combine beef with next 5 ingredients.  Add enough water to mushroom liquid to make ½ C.  Add to meat mixture with mushrooms and peppers, mix well.  Line 9x13 pan with wax paper.  Press meat mixture out flat on top of paper in pan.  Sprinkle cheese on meat, leaving one border free of cheese.  Roll meat with cheese as you would for a jelly roll, removing paper as you roll.  Place seam side down in same pan.  Spread ½ of tomato sauce over the roll.  Cover with foil & bake at 375 for 35 min.  Remove foil, spread on remaining sauce, bake 15 minutes more.