Firehouse Meatloaf-Candace

1 egg, beaten

1 cup soft bread crumbs

1/2 cup bottled pasta sauce with vegetables and/or herbs

1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed

8 ounces Italian sausage, pork sausage links, or ground beef

1 pound ground beef-*I used ground chicken, turkey would be fine too.

2 ounces provolone or mozzarella cheese, cubed-I just used finely shredded mozzerella*

2 tablespoons bottled pasta sauce with vegetables and/or herbs

2 tablespoons shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese

directions

In a large bowl combine egg, bread crumbs, the 1/2 cup pasta sauce, garlic, and rosemary. Remove casings from sausage, if using. Add ground beef and sausage; mix well. Press two-thirds of the mixture evenly in the bottom of an 8x4x2-inch loaf pan.

Make a 1/2-inch indentation down the center of the meat mixture. Place the cheese cubes in indentation. Pat remaining meat mixture evenly over top.

Bake, uncovered, in a 350 degree F oven for 55 to 60 minutes until no pink remains and until a thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the loaf registers 170 degree F. Let stand for 10 minutes.

To serve, transfer meat loaf to a platter. Drizzle top with the 2 tablespoons pasta sauce Sprinkle with the 2 tablespoons shredded cheese. If desired, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs. Makes 6 servings.

To Make Ahead: Prepare meat loaf as directed, except do not bake. Cover and chill for up to 24 hours. To serve, bake meat loaf, uncovered, about 1 hour or until no pink remains and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat loaf registers 170 degree F.