Individual Italian Meatloaf Recipe

• 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded, sm. diced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, seeded, sm. diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 ccloves chopped garlic
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 lb. Italian sausage
• 2 eggs beaten
• 3/4 cup Italian bread torn and soaked in water. Squeeze excess water out.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp. chopped basil leaves
• 1 tbsp. chopped parsley leaves
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 1 cup basic tomato sauce
• 2 squares strips

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a medium saute pan over medium heat and add the peppers, onions and garlic.
2. Saute until just soft, remove to a plate and cool.
3. When the peppers and onions are cool, combine all of the remaining ingredients together except for the tomato sauce.
4. Note do not over work meat.
5. Form the meat mixture into 6 individual loaf shapes on an oiled oven tray or baking dish.
6. Place 1/2 square cheese strips into center of each loaf and reshape loaf.
7. Top with the tomato sauce making sure to spread evenly over the tops.
8. Bake for approximately 50 to 60 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer registers 160 degrees F in the middle of the meatloaf.
9. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
10. Serve with your choice of sides and salad.
11. Optional: Top each loaf with sliced pepperoni and press in to secure to loaf before adding sauce.
12. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

extravirgin olive oil, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, onion, ccloves, ground beef, italian sausage, eggs, italian bread, parmesan, worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, basil, parsley, salt, black pepper, tomato sauce, squares strips

Taken from www.foodgeeks.com/recipes/21361 (may not work)