Best-Ever Meat Loaf

Submitted by Tim_John

"THE COMBINATION of onion, carrots, parsley and cheese—plus the tomato-mustard topping—makes this meat loaf unusually colorful. This is an attractive entree to serve, and it has a unique, unforgettable flavor."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 30mins
• Ingredients: 14
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 2⁄3 cup milk
• 3 slices bread, torn
• 1⁄2 cup chopped onion
• 1⁄2 cup grated carrot
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or 1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried basil, thyme (optional) or 1 teaspoon sage (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 1⁄2 lbs lean ground beef

• TOPPING

• 1⁄2 cup tomato sauce
• 1⁄2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon prepared mustard

directions

1. In a large bowl, beat eggs. Add milk and bread; let stand until liquid is absorbed. Stir in the onion, carrot, cheese and seasonings. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well.
2. Shape into a 7-1/2-in. x 3-1/2-in. x 2-1/2-in. loaf in a shallow baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 45 minutes.
3. Combine the topping ingredients; spoon half of the mixture over meat loaf. Bake 30 minutes longer or until meat is no longer pink and a meat thermometer reads 160°, occasionally spooning remaining topping over loaf. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.