When you talk about deep-dish pizza, you have to talk about Chicago and their one-of-a-kind cheesy pizza that literally takes a fork and knife to eat it. Just imagine one slice of deep dish pizza filling you up!
But that that decadent slice of pizza comes a lot of cheese, pounds and carbs that can mess up your dietary goals for this year. So in an effort to keep you on track, but still eat something tasty, we came across the deliciously brilliant recipe from GrandBabyCakes (@GrandbabyCakes on Instagram). Its deep-dish pizza reimagined into an incredible tasting meatloaf.
Ingredients
MEATLOAF
2 pounds ground beef or ground turkey
1/2 cup chopped pepperoni
3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large eggs
3/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
1/3 cup milk
1/2 tablespoon seasoned salt
2½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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SAUCE
1 (32-ounce) jar pizza sauce
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped plus more for garnish
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
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Preparation
FOR THE MEATLOAF:
1. Preheat the oven to 375 F.
2. Combine all of the meatloaf ingredients together in a mixing bowl, with the exception of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
3. Form the meat mixture into the shape of the 9- by 5-inch loaf pan and place in the pan.
4. Make a horizontal well down the center of the meatloaf with your hand, wide enough to add the shredded cheese. Place the cheese in the middle of the meatloaf and seal the opening with the meat mixture so that no cheese is exposed.
5. Place loaf in the oven and bake for 50 minutes.
FOR THE SAUCE:
1. While the meatloaf is baking, add sauce and seasonings and stir together in a medium saucepan or pot over medium heat. Continue to cook until it begins to bubble.
2. Turn down the heat to low and occasionally stir while the meatloaf is baking, about 20 more minutes.
TO SERVE:
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Ladle sauce on top of the meatloaf or slice it and ladle sauce on individual slices, if desired.
