Mini Meat Loaves Success!

I found this recipe in Better Homes & Gardens (the sitter left a copy at the house!). Daddy-J and I both love meatloaf, but we never make it because it takes too long to put together and too long to cook. But this mini meat loaves recipe looked like just the ticket. Ready in 22 minutes, start to finish, with a vegetable (we did broccoli instead of the green beans).

My kids even ate it. M-Moo and K-Wiggles asked for seconds! I'd say that's a success!

• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 cup purchased pasta sauce
• 1/2 cup fine dry bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped if large
• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (4 oz.)
• 1 12-oz. pkg. fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• Crushed red pepper (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to boiling. In large bowl combine egg, 1/2 cup of the pasta sauce, bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons of the basil, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add beef and 1/2 cup of the cheese; mix well. Divide beef mixture in four equal portions. Shape each portion in a 5-1/2x2-inch oval. Place on 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Spoon on remaining pasta sauce and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake 15 minutes or until internal temperature registers 160 degrees F.

2. Meanwhile, cook green beans in boiling salted water for 10 minutes. Drain; toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil and red pepper. Serve with meat loaves. Sprinkle all with remaining basil leaves. Serves 4.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories 496,
• Total Fat (g) 29,
• Saturated Fat (g) 12,
• Monounsaturated Fat (g) 13,
• Polyunsaturated Fat (g) 2,
• Cholesterol (mg) 145,
• Sodium (mg) 742,
• Carbohydrate (g) 25,
• Total Sugar (g) 8,
• Fiber (g) 5,
• Protein (g) 34,
• Vitamin C (DV%) 26,
• Calcium (DV%) 30,
• Iron (DV%) 27,
• Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet