Best Ever Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup milk
• 3 slices bread, torn into pieces
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup carrot, grated
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (4 ounces) or mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon basil (optional) or thyme (optional) or sage (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 1/2 lbs lean beef, ground

TOPPING

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon mustard

Directions

1. 1

   In a large bowl, beat eggs.

2. 2

   Add milk and bread; let stand a few minutes or until the bread absorbs the liquid.

3. 3

   Stir in the onion, carrot, cheese, herbs and seasonings.

4. 4

   Add beef; mix well.

5. 5

   In a shallow baking pan, shape beef mixture into a 7 1/2 inches x 3 1/2-in. x 2 1/2-in. loaf.

6. 6

   Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

7. 7

   Meanwhile, combine topping ingredients. Spoon some of the topping over meat loaf.

8. 8

   Bake for about 30 minutes longer or until no pink remains, occasionally spooning some of the remaining topping over loaf.

9. 9

   Let stand 10 minutes before serving.