Italian Meatloaf

Meatloaf Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. ground beef
• 1/2 cup sweet vidalia onion, chopped
• 1 cup shredded Italian Blend Cheese (mozzarella, provolone, asiago, parmesan)
• 4 basil leaves, chopped
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup of ricotta cheese, full fat
• 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
• 3 fresh garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper
• salt and pepper to taste

Topping:

• 1/2 can (3 ounces) tomato paste
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons water

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, basil, ricotta cheese, italian cheese blend, basil, eggs, bread crumbs, garlic, crushed red pepper and mix well.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Lightly grease a 9×9 baking dish and place the meatloaf in the baking dish.

In a separate small bowl, combine the tomato paste, brown sugar and water. Mix well and spread over the top of the meatloaf.

Bake at 375 degrees F for 1 hour or until internal temperature reaches 155 degrees.