Meat Loaf Ricotta

Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 cup soft bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 1/2 tablespoons parsley flakes
• 1 teaspoon crushed basil
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs
• 1/2 pound ricotta cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon marjoram
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan.
2. Combine meat, bread crumbs, Romany cheese, 2 eggs, onion, parsley flakes, basil, 1 teaspoon of the salt and pepper; mix well. Sprinkle loaf pan with dry bread crumbs. Turn half the meat mixture into pan.
3. Combine ricotta cheese with remaining egg, marjoram and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt; mix well. Spread over meat layer. Top with remaining meat mixture and spread to completely cover cheese layer. Generously brush top with oil.
4. Bake for 1 hour.