Italian Meatloaf Patties

Ingredients:

1/2 small green pepper, diced

1/2 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/4 – 1 1/2 lb. ground beef

1/2 cup bread crumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese

3 tbsp. tomato paste

1 egg

1 tbsp. Italian seasoning

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

sliced mozzarella cheese, optional

Directions.

1.  Pike the green pepper, onion, and garlic onto a cutting board and finely  mince.

2.  Combine veggies, ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, tomato paste, egg, and seasonings.  Work together with your hands or a spoon until fully incorporated.

3. Form mixture into 6 even sized oval patties.

4.  Heat a skillet over medium high heat.  Add patties and brown on one side, about 5 minutes.  Flip patties, reduce heat to medium and cover skillet.  Cook for about 15 minutes, until fully cooked.  If desired, remove cover and place mozzarella cheese slices on top of the patties 5 minutes before cook time is finish.  Cover skillet again and allow cheese to melt while the patties finish cooking.