Classic Meatloaf

Meatloaf

 

 

     The classic American four square white picket fence happy family meal that defines comfort food in all its glory. Meatloaf is to kids what working over hours on a Friday is to adults. (Smirk, laugh, giggle). I mean, as a child, like most of us were, I am willing to admit that this was not a favorite of mine. What kid wanted to come home and here their mother say, "we're having meatloaf for dinner". Oh mom not "that" thing again? is the typical response to a dirty faced little kid.

 

     I mean think about the idea of taking ground beef and forming it into a loaf. A loaf like that of bread. Baking it and then slicing it onto your plate. The presentation isn't the prettiest either. But at last as an adult I must now admit this meal is one of my favorite comfort foods now. I think as we grow older we appreciate things more. Things even as weird as a loaf of meat. (I still will not eat Spam though). LOL. 

 

     I asked my mother to give me her specific recipe for her meatloaf. Mom's was always good. Well actually anything mom makes is always your favorite. Am I right people?

 

     I took her exact recipe and changed just one thing. The delicious ketchup glaze on top. She used strictly ketchup. My idea was to spruce it up a bit. Change it around and make it my own but with the heart of my mother's. So here it is. A fast, delicious, and mouthwatering Meatloaf.

 

Ingredients:

• 1lb ground sirloin
• 1 egg
• 1 cup diced bread (I used my mother's homemade bread)
• 1 clove diced garlic
• 1 cup diced tomato
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 tbs oregano
• Salt/pepper
• Ketchup
• Molasses
• Brown sugar

 

1. Combine ground beef, diced bread, garlic, tomato, onion, oregano, salt, pepper, and the egg in a large bowl with your hands.  

 

 

2. Form into a loaf and place in a greased baking dish and cover with tinfoil.

 

 

 

3. In a 350 degree oven bake for at least 1 hour or until the loaf is cooked thoroughly.

 

Now for the topping.

 

1. In a small bowl combine enough ketchup, molasses, and some brown sugar to the desired taste that you like. 

 

2. After the first 45 minutes of cooking the meatloaf, spread the topping mixture over the top evenly and remove the tinfoil.

 

3. After 15 more minutes of cooking you can spread more on top as at this point the topping has started to brown and shine. 

 

4. Once cooked, remove and let sit for at least 15 minutes before serving.

 

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 1 hour- 1 1/2

Serves: 4 people