My five kids weren't fans of meat loaf until I "dressed up" the usual recipe with pizza toppings. These days, they eat this hearty dinner with their own families.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup saltine cracker crumbs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 can (8 ounce) pizza sauce
• 3 slices part-skim mozzarella cheese, halved
• green pepper rings, optional
• sliced mushrooms, optional
• 2 tablespoons butter, optional
• chopped fresh parsley, optional

Directions

1. Combine beef, eggs, crumbs, milk, Parmesan cheese, onion, salt and oregano, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Shape into a loaf and place in a greased 9x5-in. loaf pan. Bake at 350° for 1-1/4 hours or until no pink remains; drain.
2. Spoon pizza sauce over loaf and top with mozzarella cheese slices. return to oven for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
3. Meanwhile, if desired, saute green pepper and mushrooms in butter; arrange on top of meat loaf. Sprinkle with parsley if desire.