Best Ever Meat Loaf

Serves 6
2 eggs
2/3 c. milk
3 slices bread, torn into pieces
1/2 c. chopped onion
1/2 c. grated carrot
1 (4 oz.) c. shredded cheddar or
mozzarella cheese
1 T. chopped fresh parsley or
1 tsp. dried parsley
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. dried basil, thyme or sage,
optional
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 1/2 lbs. lean ground beef
Topping:
1/2 c. tomato sauce
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1 tsp. prepared mustard

In a large bowl beat eggs. Add milk and bread; let stand a few minutes or until bread absorbs the liquid. Stir in onion, carrot, cheese, herbs and seasonings. Add beef; mix well. In a shallow baking pan, shape beef mixture into a 7 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 loaf. Bake at 350º for 45 minutes. Combine the topping ingredients; spoon some over meat loaf. Bake for about 30 minutes longer or until meat is no longer pink, occasionally spooning some of the remaining topping over loaf. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Polly Burkholder - Star Tannery, VA