Description
This comforting twist on meatloaf layers a savory beef mixture with a creamy cottage cheese (or ricotta) filling, creating a rich and hearty centerpiece. Baked until golden and served with a quick homemade tomato gravy, it’s perfect alongside garlic bread and a crisp green salad.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup soft breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
- 2 tbsp minced onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 eggs
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 ¼ tsp dried oregano
- ½ lb cottage cheese (or ricotta)
- Dry bread crumbs to coat the pan (plain or Italian seasoned)
For the quick tomato gravy:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 15-oz can crushed 6-in-1® tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a separate bowl combine the cottage cheese (or ricotta if using) with the dried oregano, 1 egg (beaten), and remaining salt and pepper.
- Oil or spray a loaf pan and sprinkle with the dry breadcrumbs. Place ½ of the meat mixture in the pan and gently press evenly across the bottom. Spread the cottage cheese (or ricotta) mixture over the bottom layer of the meat mixture. Top the cheese mixture with the remaining meat mixture.
- Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 1¼ hours. Slice in 1 to 1 ½-inch slices. Top with a quick tomato gravy* and serve with garlic bread and a salad of fresh greens tossed with Italian vinaigrette.
Quick Tomato Gravy:
- Over medium heat the olive oil in a saucepan. Add garlic and cook, stirring continuously, for 2 minutes until becomes fragrant.
- Add tomatoes, fresh basil, sugar, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and continue to cook for 15 to 20 minutes until flavors have combined. This is excellent made-ahead.
- While you’re at it, double the recipe. This also makes excellent pizza sauce.