Mini meat loaves are the perfect meal for families who have staggered schedules as you can tuck a batch in the fridge or freezer and reheat as needed. Including the grated carrot is a good way to get more veggies into the meal and enhance the juiciness of the meat loaves. Using the Furlani Garlic Bread/milk mixture (known as a panade) is a great way to ensure tender meat loaves along with a bonus garlic flavour hit.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 30 to 36 minutes | Total Time: 56 minutes
To sop up all the Veggie Pizza Sauce, serve with Furlani Garlic Bread or Furlani Garlic Texas Toast or both!
Heat oil in medium non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook onion, stirring, for 3 minutes, until starting to soften. Add carrot and cook, stirring for 2 to 3 minutes or until softened. Remove from heat; set aside and let cool.
From the mid-section of the Furlani Garlic Bread, cut two 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick slices. Tear the slices into pieces and combine with the milk in a large bowl; let stand 5 minutes.
To the soaked bread, add the beef, egg, reserved carrot and onion, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and 2 tbsp (30 mL) of the pizza sauce. Mix lightly but thoroughly to blend.
Divide mixture among 12 muffin cups, pressing into cups. Use ¼ cup (60 mL) of the remaining pizza sauce and spoon about 1 tsp (5 mL) on top of each mini meat loaf; reserve about ½ cup (125 mL) for the Simple Veggie Pizza Sauce. Combine the cheeses; dividing evenly, sprinkle on top of the meat loaves.
Bake in preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until digital instant-read thermometer inserted into centre of several meat loaves registers 160°F (71°C).
Meanwhile, prepare the remaining Furlani Garlic Bread according to package directions. Make the Veggie Pizza Sauce: Heat olive oil in non-stick skillet over medium-high heat; add mushrooms and sweet peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or until browned and any liquid has evaporated. Add reserved pizza sauce; heat through, adding a splash of water to thin the sauce, if necessary.
Serve meat loaves with the Veggie Pizza Sauce and warm Furlani Garlic Bread.