Mozzarella Meat Loaf

Ingredients

• 2 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 cans tomato paste
• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 3/4 c. bread crumbs
• 2 tsp. dried oregano
• 2 tbl snipped parsley
• 1 garlic clove or 1 tsp minced in oil from a jar
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/2 Tbl. finely chopped fresh parsley (or 1/2 tsp. dried)
• 6-8 slices ham
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese + a little extra to melt on top of meat roll during last 5 minutes in oven.

Instructions

Combine eggs, bread crumbs, tomato paste, parsley, oregano, pepper, and garlic. Mix well. Add ground beef and mix well. On a piece of heavy wax paper, press meat into approximately a 12x 10 rectangle, about 3/4 inch thick. Evenly lay ham over meat to within 1 inch of edges. Sprinkle 2 cups mozzarella over ham. Carefully roll into a loaf, jellyroll-style, lifting wax paper to help you roll. Pinch to seal all edges completely. Place seam side-down onto sprayed baking sheet, and sprinkle with coarse ground black pepper to taste. Bake at 350°F for 1 hour. Sprinkle top with some shredded shredded cheese (about 1/4 c) during last 5 minutes or til cheese has melted. Let rest at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.