How to make Meatloaf even BETTER!

Greg LOVES meatloaf and besides the fact that it takes an hour to bake, it's fairly easy and quick to prepare. I've experimented with different mixtures like using Saltine Crackers, adding veggies, a variety of condiments and they all turned out good. But THIS meatloaf has got to be the best yet because it's STUFFED! I combined some recipes for Stuffed Meatloaf I found and made my own version. I used a combination of ground beef and hot Italian sausage, but instead of adding breadcrumbs in the meat mixture, I sautéd it with some mushrooms and onions, then stuffed it in the middle of the meatloaf along with some Mozzarella cheese! Genius right? It's juicy, cheesy, flavorful and PERFECT in every way! If you like meatloaf, you've GOT to give this one a try!

Ingredients:


2 eggs
2 Tbsp half & half
1/4 c ketchup
1-1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1 lb ground beef
2 links Italian sausage, casings removed


STUFFING:
1/2 lb fresh mushrooms, sliced
1/2 large red onion, chopped
2 Tbsp butter
2 c fresh bread crumbs
2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley or basil
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1/2 c shredded Mozzarella cheese


Prep:


1. Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, beat eggs, milk, ketchup, salt and pepper. Add beef and sausage; mix well. Pat half of the meat mixture into a greased 9 x 5-in loaf pan; set aside.


2. For stuffing, sauté the mushrooms and onion in butter until tender, about 3 minutes. Add bread crumbs, parsley, thyme, salt and pepper; sauté until crumbs are lightly browned.


3. Spoon over meat layer, top with cheese, then cover with remaining meat mixture and press down gently. Bake for 1 hour or until meat thermometer reaches 150°F.