Italian Meat Loaf

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INGREDIENTS

SCALE
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large leek, cleaned and chopped (white and light green parts only)
  • 1/2 large orange bell pepper, seeded and chopped (can also use green or yellow pepper)
  • 2 teaspoons chopped garlic
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil (or 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil)
  • 1 cup diced canned tomatoes, drained
  • 1/4 cup chopped roasted red peppers (from a jar)
  • 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup whole milk (if using ground bison)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds ground beef or bison
  • Kosher salt
  • Fresh ground pepper
  • 1 cup tomato sauce

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the leek, bell pepper, garlic and basil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in diced tomatoes and roasted red peppers.
  4. Place mixture in a large mixing bowl and stir in breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk (if using) and eggs. Add ground beef (or bison) and mix well, using your hands. Season with salt and fresh ground pepper.
  5. Place in a 5 by 8-inch loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes.
  6. Spoon tomato sauce over the top and continue baking for another 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit 5 to 10 minutes before serving.