Instructions:

Meat Loaf Ricotta

1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup soft bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
3 eggs, beaten
1 cup chopped onion
1 1/2 tablespoons parsley flakes
1 teaspoon crushed basil
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs
1/2 pound ricotta cheese
1/4 teaspoon marjoram
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.

Combine meat, bread crumbs, Romany cheese, 2 eggs, onion, parsley flakes, basil, 1 teaspoon of the salt and pepper; mix well. Sprinkle loaf pan with dry bread crumbs. Turn half the meat mixture into pan. Combine ricotta cheese with remaining egg, marjoram and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt; mix well. Spread over meat layer. Top with remaining meat mixture and spread to completely cover cheese layer. Generously brush top with oil. Bake 1 hour.

Makes 6 servings.