Birthday Meatloaf “Cake” Recipe

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat two 9×2-inch round cake pans with cooking spray; set aside. Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat.

Add onion, garlic, and celery; cook until softened. Transfer to a large bowl; let cool. Add beef, carrot, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, oats, ground mustard, salt, and pepper to bowl with vegetable mixture; mix thoroughly with hands.

Gently press into prepared pans. Bake for about 25 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer registers 160 degrees F.

Let stand 5 minutes; carefully remove with a spatula, and transfer to a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet. Tent with foil.

Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a small pan. Add reserved carrot peels; cook until tender. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain.

Place 1 meat loaf on platter; spread 1 cup warm mashed potatoes over top. Sprinkle with 3 tablespoons peas. Top with remaining meat loaf.

Frost top and sides with 3 cups mashed potatoes. Decorate cake with carrot circles and remaining peas. Serve immediately.