Step 1

Add lentils to a medium-sized pot with 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until tender (but not mushy!) Drain excess liquid and move lentils to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2

Combine all remaining ingredients EXCEPT cheese into a large mixing bowl. Mix until JUST combined. Overworking the meat will make it tough.

Step 3

Preheat oven to 350F.

Step 4

Place about half the mixture into a loaf pan (I use a standard glass bread loaf pan: 9 inches, by 5 inches, by 2 inches.) Press a hole into the centre, working the mixture up the sides a bit. Add 1/2 cup of grated cheese (or more if desired, but just remember you need to cover the cheese!!) Add remaining lentil-mixture and cover the cheese. Press down until even across the top.

Step 5

Add "meatloaf" to oven and bake, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Remove and place a couple of tablespoons of pizza sauce, mushrooms, and remaining cheese onto "meatloaf."

Step 6

Place back into oven and continue cooking until firm, about 30-40 more minutes.

Step 7

Remove, allow to cool slightly, carefully remove from pan, slice and serve! Or slice right in the pan!