Pasta and Meatballs Meat Loaf

  • 6

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup dried mini penne pasta (2 oz.)
  • 4 long individual ciabatta rolls or hoagie buns
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped yellow or red sweet pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 2/3 cup fine dry bread crumbs
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, crushed
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 recipe Garlic Butter, recipe below
  • 1 cup bottled pasta sauce, warmed
  • Shaved Parmesan cheese
  • 1 recipe Toasted Bread Crumbs, recipe below
  • Fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley

Preparation

Step 1

Directions

1.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cook penne according to package directions; drain. Rinse and cool completely. Halve three rolls lengthwise; set aside. Use remaining roll to prepare Toasted Bread Crumbs, recipe below.

2.
In large skillet cook onion, sweet pepper, and garlic in hot oil over medium heat for 5 minutes or until tender.

3.
In large bowl combine eggs, milk, 2/3 cup of the Toasted Bread Crumbs, 1/2 tsp. salt, and Italian seasoning. With hands, fold in ground beef, cooked pasta, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, and cooked vegetables. Form in six 6x3-inch oblong loaves (loaves will appear bumpy rather than smooth). Place in shallow baking pan.*(Bake, uncovered, 25 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into center of loaves reads 160 degrees F.

4.
Spread split rolls with Garlic Butter. Bake about 10 minutes or until golden brown. Top each toasted roll half with warm pasta sauce and a mini loaf. Sprinkle with shaved Parmesan, remaining Toasted Bread Crumbs, and snipped fresh parsley. Makes 6 servings.

Directions

1.
In small skillet cook garlic and dried basil in butter until garlic is tender.