This meatloaf is seasoned with pizza sauce, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, and chopped pepperoni, then finished with more sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. It makes eight slices.
Ingredients
For the meatloaf
- 1½ pounds raw extra-lean ground beef
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella
- ⅓ cup pizza sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 20 pepperoni slices (56 grams), cut into small pieces
For the topping
- 2 tablespoons pizza sauce
- ¼ cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella
- 15 pepperoni slices (42 grams)
- Italian seasoning, for a light sprinkle
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a raised-edge baking sheet with parchment paper; the raised edge will contain grease released during cooking.
- Cut the 20 pepperoni slices for the meatloaf into small pieces.
- In a large bowl, use your hands to mix the ground beef, peppers, onion, panko, ⅓ cup mozzarella, ⅓ cup pizza sauce, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, and chopped pepperoni.
- Shape the mixture into a log about 10 inches long on the prepared sheet.
- Bake for 55 minutes.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven. Spoon 2 tablespoons pizza sauce over the top, then add ¼ cup mozzarella, the 15 whole pepperoni slices, and a light sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
- Return it to the oven for 15–20 minutes, until the center reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let the meatloaf cool for 5 minutes, then cut it into 8 slices.
Yield
Makes 8 slices.
Storage
Refrigerate cooled leftovers in a covered container and use within 4 days.
