1 1/2 lb. ground beef
3/4 c. Progresso Italian style or plain bread crumbs
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce
2 eggs
3/4 c. ricotta cheese
1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 c. chopped fresh parsley

Combine first 5 ingredients with 1 egg. Combine remaining egg with next 3 ingredients. Press 1/3 meat mixture into 9 inch loaf pan. Make shallow well lengthwise in center. Spoon cheese mixture in well. Cover with remaining meat.

Pat firmly at sides. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes. If desired, top with strips of bacon and grated cheese. Bake 10 more minutes, just so cheese melts.