French Meat Loaf

A meat loaf mixture, topped with cheddar cheese, is baked in the shell of a hollowed out loaf of French bread.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 pound loaf French bread
2 pounds lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce (1 cup)
2 large eggs
4 ounces cheddar cheese, sliced (or 1 cup shredded)

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cut the top off French bread. Scoop out the center to leave a hollow shell. Crumble the scooped out bread and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef with chopped onion and chopped celery; drain. Add salt, pepper, and tomato sauce; mix well.
4. Stir in the reserved bread crumbs and eggs; mix well. Spoon into the bread shell and place on a baking sheet.
5. Replace the top and arrange sliced cheddar cheese on top.
6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes.

Makes 8 servings.