Meatloaf

Ingredients

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• ¼ tsp dried crushed red pepper
• ¼ cup chopped basil
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• 2/3 cup chopped fresh basil
• 2/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 lbs ground beef
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Heat the oil over medium heat in a large saucepan. Add the garlic, celery, and ½ the onion and cook until celery is soft.
3. Add crushed tomatoes and dried crushed pepper then stir for 20 minutes until it simmers. Add in basil.
4. In a bowl, mix together the ground beef, eggs, garlic, 1/2 cup of the sauce, Parmesan cheese, onion and breadcrumbs. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Lightly grease a rectangle pan, then add in the meat mixture. Add a 1/2 cup of the sauce on top.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until meat reaches internal temperature of 160°F. Remove from oven.
7. Add mozzarella cheese on top, then return to oven. Bake until cheese melts, then remove and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve warm.