MINI PIZZA MEAT LOAVES

Serves 6 (Recipe can be doubled)


• 1 (26 ounce) jar pasta sauce, divided
• 1 1/2 cups Italian Bread Crumbs
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh green pepper
• 2 large carrots, finely shredded
• 1 medium potato, finely shredded
• 1 teaspoon Oregano (dry)
• 1 T. Minced Garlic, or 2 cloves chopped fine
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 lbs ground meat (beef, turkey, Italian sausage, etc.)
• 1 mozzarella cheese stick per loaf (optional)
• Shredded mozzarella for topping, if desired

1. Combine 3/4 cup pasta sauce, bread crumbs, eggs, onion, vegetables, oregano and garlic; Mix well. Add ground meat and mix again until well incorporated.
2. Shape firmly into six rectangular single-serving loaves, inserting one cheese stick in center of each loaf. Place loaves in baking pan. (You can use single-serving sized loaf pans if desired.)
3. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes or until no pink remains and meat thermometer reads the appropriate temperature for the meat you’ve chosen. (If you use mixed meats determine the setting using the meat that needs to be cooked highest.)
4. Cool. Wrap in foil and freeze.
5. Freeze or refrigerate remaining pasta sauce.
6. To reheat: Place meat loaves and remaining pasta sauce in a skillet, cover and heat through. Serve covered with sauce. (To make them look fancy try shredding a little cheese on the top as you serve them.)

Note: You can obviously bake these and serve them immediately, topped with the heated sauce. For a fun twist try grinding some pepperoni to add to the meat mixture. It does add some calories, but kids love it!

Label: Reheat loaves in remaining pasta sauce. Serve warm, covered with sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.