ITALIAN-STYLE MEAT LOAF

1 can (8-oz) pizza sauce, divided

1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/3 cup dry Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Reserve 1/3 cup pizza sauce, cover and refrigerate.

In a large bowl, combine the remaining sauce and egg. Stir in the onion, bell pepper, bread crumbs, garlic salt and pepper. Add the ground beef and mix together well. Form mixture into a loaf that will fit your slow cooker.

Make 3 long strips with heavy-duty aluminum foil and place in cooker leaving extra folded down to later use as handles to remove meatloaf.

Transfer the meatloaf to the cooker and place lid on cooker. Cook on low 8-10 hours or on low 4-6 hours. Be sure meat is cooked through. A meat thermometer inserted into the center should read 170 degrees.

Spread the reserved sauce over the meatloaf and sprinkle with the cheese. Replace cover and cook another 15 or more until cheese melts. Use the foil strips to remove to a platter.

Yield: 6-8 servings

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