2 eggs
2/3 c. milk
3 slices bread, torn into pieces
1/2 c. chopped onion
1/2 c. grated carrot
1 c. (4 oz.) shredded Cheddar or Mozzarella cheese
1 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley or 1 tsp. dried parsley
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. dried basil, thyme or sage (optional)
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef

TOPPING:

1/2 c. tomato sauce
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1 tsp. prepared mustard

In a large bowl, beat eggs. Add milk and bread; let stand a few minutes or until the bread absorbs the liquid. Stir in the onion, carrot, cheese, herbs and seasonings. Add beef; mix well.

In a shallow baking pan, shape beef mixture into a 7 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch loaf. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine topping ingredients. Spoon some of the topping over meat loaf. Bake for about 30 minutes longer or until no pink remains, occasionally spooning some of the remaining topping over loaf. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.