Lunch: Layered Italian Meatloaf

Italian cheeses and spinach embedded between layers of herbed ground-beef add unexpected taste to the center of this meatloaf.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Spinach, Basil

Health benefits of Layered Italian Meatloaf

Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable that is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, magnesium, and antioxidants. The high iron content in spinach helps combat anemia, which is common in women with PCOS. Magnesium helps reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. The antioxidants in spinach can help lower oxidative stress, which is beneficial for managing PCOS symptoms. Including spinach in your diet can support overall health and well-being. Basil is an excellent stress reliever, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Ingredients

1 1/2 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce with basil, garlic and oregano
1 egg
3/4 cup Progresso™ Italian style bread crumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend (4 oz)
1 box (9 oz) frozen spinach, thawed, well drained

Instructions

Heat oven to 350 °F. Spray 9x5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or grease with shortening. In large bowl, mix ground beef, 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce, the egg, bread crumbs, garlic powder and pepper. Pat half of meat mixture in pan.
Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the cheese over meat mixture. Spread spinach over cheese; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Pat remaining meat mixture on top of cheese. Insert ovenproof meat thermometer so tip is in center of loaf.
Bake uncovered 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes or until thoroughly cooked in center and thermometer reads 160 °F. Run knife around edges of pan. Place serving platter upside down over pan; turn platter and pan over. Remove pan.
In small microwavable bowl, microwave remaining tomato sauce, loosely covered, on High 30 to 60 seconds or until hot; pour over top of meatloaf.