Sicilian Meat Roll

Ingredients:

2 eggs, beaten

3/4 cup soft bread crumbs

1/2 cup tomato sauce

2 tablespoons parsley flakes

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon crushed black pepper

1 clove garlic, crushed

2 pounds ground beef (lean)

8 thin slices boiled ham

6 ounces (1 1/2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese

3 slices mozzarella cheese, halved diagonally

1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs, crumbs, tomato sauce, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper and garlic. Mix well. Add beef and mix well again.

On waxed paper or foil, pat meat to a 12" x 10" rectangle. Arrange the ham slices on top of meat, leaving a small margin around the edges. Spread tomato paste over the ham. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over tomato paste.

Starting from the short end, carefully roll up the meat, using the waxed paper or foil to help you lift and roll. Seal the edges and ends. Place the roll, seam side down, in a 13" x 9" baking pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 1 1/4 hours. Note: the center of the roll will be pink due to the ham and tomato paste.

Place the mozzarella cheese wedges over the top of the roll. Return to the oven until the cheese melts, about ten minutes.