1 1/2 lb. ground beef
1 c. cracker crumbs
1 can (about 14 oz.) tomato puree divided in 2
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 sm. onion, diced
1 sm. green pepper, diced
3 cloves crushed garlic
1 1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. thyme
2 c. mozzarella cheese divided in 2

Combine beef, cracker crumbs, 1/2 can puree, egg, onion, green pepper, 3/4 teaspoon oregano, garlic, basil, thyme and pepper. Place 1/2 of mixture in loaf pan. Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella on beef mixture and top with remaining beef mixture to form loaf. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Pour mixture of 1/2 can puree, 3/4 teaspoon oregano on top. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese. Bake additional 30 minutes. Great with any Italian pasta dish.