Italian Meat Loaf

Name: Italian Meat Loaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings.
Ingredients: 1 egg, beaten; 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce, divided; 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs; 1/2 cup finely chopped onion, optional; 1/2 cup finely chopped green pepper, optional; 1 teaspoon dried oregano, divided; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; 1-1/2 pounds ground beef; 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

"I received the recipe for this moist meat loaf in my high school economics class," recalls Lisa Malone of Cordell, Oklahoma. "At the time, I made it for my mom and dad. Now I fix it for my husband and daughter. We all love it."

Ingredients

1 egg, beaten
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce, divided
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1/2 cup finely chopped onion, optional
1/2 cup finely chopped green pepper, optional
1 teaspoon dried oregano, divided
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

In a bowl, combine the egg, half of the tomato sauce, bread crumbs, onion and green pepper if desired, 1/2 teaspoon of oregano, salt and pepper. Add beef; mix well.
On a large piece of heavy-duty foil, pat meat mixture into a 14x8-in. rectangle. Sprinkle cheeses to within 1/2 in. of edges. Roll up, jelly-roll style, starting with a short side and peeling foil away while rolling. Seal seam and ends. Transfer to a microwave-safe glass 9x5-in. loaf pan.
Microwave, uncovered, at 50% power for 9 minutes, rotating a half turn once; drain. Continue cooking on 50% power for 14-16 minutes or until meat is no longer pink, rotating a half turn once. In a bowl, combine the remaining tomato sauce and oregano. Pour over meat loaf. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 1-1/2 minutes. Cover loosely with foil; let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Editor's Note

This recipe was tested in a 1,100-watt microwave.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 315 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 788mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.

Originally published as Italian Meat Loaf in Quick Cooking March/April 2000

Reviews

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caitlin4978

Jul 28, 2012

This was such a great change from traditional meatloaf! I was initially skeptical about using the microwave but the meatloaf came together great. The melted cheese in the middle of each slice was definitely the best part.
Di Cook

Dec 16, 2011

I made this omitting the green pepper and adding some finely chopped garlic. What a wonderful meat loaf! Yummy!! Thanks so much for the recipe!