Meat Rolls with Stuffing are a delicious and versatile dish that can be customized with various fillings to suit your taste. Here’s a basic recipe for making savory meat rolls with a flavorful stuffing:
Meat Rolls with Stuffing
Ingredients:
-
For the Meat Rolls:
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) ground beef or pork (or a mix of both)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
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For the Stuffing:
- 1 cup spinach, chopped (or use other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers)
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or chives), chopped (optional)
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For the Sauce (Optional):
- 1 cup tomato sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Stuffing:
- In a bowl, mix together the chopped spinach, shredded cheese, Parmesan cheese, and any optional ingredients (sun-dried tomatoes, olives, herbs). Set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or pork with the egg, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried thyme or oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined but do not overmix.
3. Form the Meat Rolls:
- Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Spread the meat mixture into a rectangle about 1/2-inch thick.
- Evenly spread the stuffing mixture over the meat, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Using the plastic wrap or parchment paper to help, carefully roll the meat into a log shape, encasing the stuffing. Seal the edges and ends by pinching the meat together.
4. Sear the Meat Rolls:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Carefully transfer the meat rolls to the skillet and sear on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Cook the Meat Rolls:
- Transfer the seared meat rolls to a baking dish if you’re using an oven or leave them in the skillet if continuing on the stovetop.
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the meat rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
- Stovetop Method: Cover the skillet and simmer over low heat for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally.
6. Prepare the Sauce (Optional):
- While the meat rolls are cooking, combine tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Serve:
- Let the meat rolls rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve with the optional tomato sauce or your favorite gravy.
Variations and Tips:
- Stuffing Variations: Try different stuffing combinations, such as caramelized onions and mushrooms, or cooked sausage and spinach.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or a mixture of ground nuts for a gluten-free option.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the meat mixture for a bit of heat.
These meat rolls with stuffing are versatile and can be served with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your meal!
