ITALIAN STUFFED MEATLOAF

1 lbs ground beef 7 lbs ground beef
1/2 c breadcrumbs 3-1/2 c breadcrumbs
1/2 t salt 3-1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper 3-1/2 tsp pepper
1 1/2 cloves garlic, minced 10-1/2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 c onion, diced 1-3/4 c onion, diced
1/8 c celery, finely diced 1 c celery, finely diced
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning 3-1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp basil 1-3/4 t basil
1/8 c parmesan 1 c parmesan
1 eggs 7 eggs
1/8 t Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp Worcest. Sauce
1/8tsp hot pepper sauce 1 tsp hot pepper sauce
1-1/2 c spaghetti sauce 10-1/2 c spaghetti sauce

Filling:

1/2 c ricotta cheese (low fat) 3-1/2 c ricotta cheese (low fat)
1/2 c Italian cheese blend, shredded 3-1/2 c Italian cheese blend
1/2 T parsley 3-1/2 Tbsp parsley

Assembly:

Meat Mixture: In small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic, onion, celery, Italian seasoning, basil and cheese.

Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, break up beef and make an indentation in the center. Break the eggs into this well;

add Worc. Sauce and hot pepper sauce. With a fork, quickly beat the eggs and sauce together in the well. Using

either your hands or large spoon, mix eggs and meat together until well combined. Pour the breadcrumb mixture

into the meat mixture in 2-3 installments, mixing each time until well incorporated. If mixture seems too dry, add a little

milk or one more beaten egg to the mixture.

Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded cheese and parsley. Mix together and set aside.

Divide meat mixture into 14 equal parts. Line two loaf pans; press 1/2 of meat mixture into each loaf pan. Pressing down with your fingers or the back of a spoon, create a shallow “ditch” down the middle of the meat mixture. Spread part of ricotta filling mixture into each ditch, leaving about 1-1/2” border of meat all around. Press a second 1/2 of meat mixture into each loaf pan, pushing down around the edges to help seal in the filling. Freeze using foil and plastic wrap method.

To Serve: Preheat oven 350 degrees. Bake meatloaf for 30 min, then spoon off any excess grease, if necessary. Pour 1-2 cups of your favorite tomato or spaghetti sauce on top of meatloaf and bake an additional 25-30 min. Be careful not to over-bake. Serve with buttered noodles or pasta, a salad, and garlic bread.