Mozzarella Meat Loaf

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup saltine cracker crumbs
• 1 whole milk
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 can (8 oz. ) pizza sauce
• 3 slices part-skim mozzarella cheese, halved
• green pepper rings, optional
• sliced mushrooms, optional
• 2 tbsp. butter, optional
• chopped fresh parsley, optional

Directions

1. Combine the ground beef, eggs, cracker crumbs, milk, Parmesan cheese, onion, salt and oregano, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Shape into a loaf and place in a greased 9x5 in. loaf pan.
2. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 1/4 hours or until no link remains, drain. Spoon pizza sauce over loaf and top with mozzarella cheese slices, return to oven for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
3. Meanwhile, if desired, sauté green pepper and mushrooms in butter, arrange on top of meat loaf. Sprinkle with parsley if desired.