Christmas Pizza Meatloaf

Christmas Pizza Meatloaf sounds like a fun and festive twist on a classic meatloaf! Here’s a recipe to get you started:

Christmas Pizza Meatloaf Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Meatloaf:

1. 1 pound ground beef
2. 1/2 pound ground pork
3. 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
4. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
5. 1/2 cup milk
6. 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
7. 1/4 cup ketchup
8. 2 large eggs
9. 2 cloves garlic, minced
10. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11. 1 teaspoon dried basil
12. 1/2 teaspoon salt
13. 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Pizza Topping:

1. 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
2. 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
3. 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (or your favorite pizza toppings)
4. 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
5. 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers (red, green, or yellow) for a festive touch
6. 1/4 cup chopped onions (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, parsley, ketchup, eggs, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, but be careful not to overmix.
3. Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the meatloaf mixture to a baking sheet or a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf. If using a baking sheet, you might want to form it into a slightly flattened loaf to ensure even cooking.
4. Bake: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes.
5. Add Toppings: After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the marinara or pizza sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and arrange your chosen pizza toppings (pepperoni, olives, bell peppers, onions, etc.) over the cheese.
6. Return to Oven: Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
7. Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold its shape better.
8. Enjoy: Slice and serve your festive meatloaf with a side salad or your favorite vegetables.

This dish combines the comforting flavors of meatloaf with the fun and festive toppings of a pizza, making it a great centerpiece for a holiday meal. Enjoy your Christmas Pizza Meatloaf!