Foodie Chickie

I am certain I finally found a meat loaf recipe that I like. No love. It was flavorful, moist and easy to prepare. A great addition to any holiday(Christmas is next) or weeknight meal.

Italian Meatloaf
Adapted from Cinnamon Spice And Everything Nice

1 yellow onion, diced

1 fire roasted red pepper, diced

olive oil, for sauteing

5 cloves garlic

1 vine-ripened tomato, diced

1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning

1 egg

3/4 cup tomato sauce

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 + 1/4 pounds ground beef or turkey

1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated

1 + 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

1. Heat a skillet with enough oil to cover bottom of pan over medium-low heat, add onion and pepper, saute until tender. Add garlic, saute until fragrant; add tomato and Italian seasoning, saute 3-4 minutes. Set aside to cool.

2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a large bowl whisk together egg, 1/3 cup tomato sauce and Worcestershire. Add ground meat, bread crumbs, black pepper, Parmesan and sauteed vegetables. Combine with a fork; mix in 1 cup of mozzarella.

3. In a large, greased roasting pan form the meat into a loaf. Spread the remaining 1/2 cup sauce over top and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella. Bake about 45 minutes or until no longer pink in the middle. Let set five minutes before serving.

Serves 4 to 5