Italian Meatloaf

There are other italian meatloaf recipies posted, but this one is a little different. I don't like meatloaf, but this is great. I got it from food network kitchens. My husbands co-workers rave about it.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• Loaves

• 1 1⁄2 lbs  meatloaf mixture (ground beef, pork, and veal)
• 1  medium onion, grated
• 1⁄2 cup panko breadcrumbs (Japanese bread crumbs) or 1⁄2 cup  regular  dried breadcrumbs
• 1  large egg, beaten
• 1⁄4 cup  chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2  tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1  tablespoon  whole grain mustard
• 2  teaspoons kosher salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  italian seasoning
• 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4  ounces pancetta (4 thin slices) (optional)
• 2  ounces smoked mozzarella cheese (4 small squares)
•  fresh ground black pepper

• Glaze

• 1⁄4 cup tomato paste
• 2  tablespoons  balsamic vinegar
• 1  tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2  cups  hot  marinara sauce, jarred or homemade

Directions

1. Special Equipment: 4-inch round biscuit cutter, or tuna or other can, top and bottom removed.
2. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
3. Break the meatloaf mixture into a large bowl and use your hands to lightly work in the onion, bread crumbs, egg, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and pepper until evenly mixed. Take care not to overwork the mixture.
4. Space the pancetta slices, if using, a few inches apart on the prepared pan and put the cutter on top of 1 piece. Divide the meatloaf mixture into 4 equal portions. Press a piece of cheese into the center and then press the meat around it to enclose it completely. Put a portion in the cutter and press gently so that it covers the pancetta evenly, and makes a neat, flat disk. Repeat with the remaining meatloaf mix to make 4 little loaves. Remove the cutter.
5. Whisk the glaze ingredients in a small bowl, and then spread about 1 tablespoon of the mixture over the top and sides of each meatloaf. Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 325 degrees F. and bake until cooked through, about 15 minutes more. To serve, ladle some hot marinara sauce into the centers of 4 plates, and set the meatloaves on top.
6. Cook's Note: The pancetta adds a nice flavor note to the meatloaves, but you can leave it out--shape the meat in the cutter right on the baking sheet.