Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Sauté the Vegetables: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, shredded cheese, sautéed vegetables, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using). Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Form the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a lined baking sheet. Make sure to shape it into an even loaf for even cooking.
Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded provolone cheese over the top of the meatloaf, spreading it evenly.
Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
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