Sicilian Meat Roll

Sicilian Meat Roll

2 slightly beaten eggs

3/4 soft bread crumbs (1 slice)

1/2 C tomato juice

2 Tbsp. snipped parsley

1/2 t. dried oregano, crushed

1/4 t. salt

1/4 t. pepper

1 small clove garlic, minced

2 lbs. lean ground beef

6 1-oz. thin slices fully cooked ham

1 3/4 C shredded mozzarella cheese

In a large bowl, combine eggs, bread crumbs, tomato juice, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and garlic. Stir in the ground beef, mixing well.

On foil, pat meat mixture to a 12×10 inch rectangle. Arrange ham slices atop meat, leaving a 3/4 inch border around all edges. Sprinkle 1 1/2 C. of the shredded mozzarella cheese over ham.

Starting from a short end, carefully roll up meat, using foil to lift; seal edges and ends. Place roll, seam side down, in a 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan.

Bake in a 350° F. oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes or till temperature registers 170° F. and juices run clear. (Center of meat roll will be pink due to ham.)

Sprinkle remaining shredded mozzarella over top of roll; return to oven for 5 minutes or till cheese melts

Makes 8-10 servings