Italian Meat Loaf Surprise

This is one of Loretta's prize-winning recipes. She said that it surprised her how good this was. We took a look at the recipe and were NOT surprised at how good it is.

• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 5 slices white bread
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons parsley, minced
• 2 teaspoons onion, minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 brick (6 ounces) provolone cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350° F.

Measure 1/4 cup tomato sauce from the 8 ounces called for. Set aside to be used later as topping.

Soak bread in water to wet thoroughly. When saturated, squeeze out excess water. Pull bread apart.

In a large bowl, pull apart ground beef. Add bread, remaining tomato sauce, parmesan cheese, parsley, onion, garlic, basil, oregano, salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly.

Roughly shape beef mixture. Insert wedge of provolone cheese. Pack meat tightly around wedge, forming a round loaf. Place in shallow baking pan. Brush surface of loaf with reserved tomato sauce.

Bake in 350°F oven and bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until done to taste. Loaf will be slightly softer in the center where cheese has melted.

Remove to serving platter. Garnish with parsley.

Serves: 6 - 8

Contributor: Brenda Klauss for Loretta Harrison

 

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