Meatloaf

Meatloaf is a very popular family dish, simple, not expensive and most kids love it, especially if you cover it in Ketchup or Barbecue Sauce! Our family also likes it topped with a brown beef gravy. Into the mix you can use any of the store brand ready made packets of meatloaf mixes or even cans of soup like french onion, cream of mushroom etc...

Basically, the recipe below is a flexible one. I put in whatever I have in the fridge (red peppers, onions, pickles etc...) This makes a large loaf but remember, Meatloaf is also one of the great leftovers. Slice it up cold and put it in a sandwich with a little mayo and ketchup.

Ingredients:

3 lbs chopped meat (or a mix of Veal, Pork and beef)
2 cups bread crumbs (plain or Italian)
3 whole eggs (generally 1 egg per pound of meat)
1/2 large onion (diced)
1/2 large red pepper (or green pepper)
1 medium carrots (diced)
½ cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup of whole milk
2 TBS yellow Mustard
¼ cup Ketchup or barbecue sauce (plus 1/4 cup reserved)
¼ cup Parsley
Salt and Pepper
Herbs and spices of your preference
I use: Cumin, paprika, onion and garlic powder.

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees, and lightly grease a over broiler pan. In a large skillet add about 1-2 TBS Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and sauté the onions, pepper, and carrots until tender. Add in all the spices that you prefer last.

Remove from heat. In a large Mixing bowl, mix the meat, sauteed vegetables, breadcrumbs, eggs, cheese, mustard, and 1/4 cup of the Ketchup. Mix with your hands (dig in) or use 2 forks. Mix together well.

Place the mix onto the pan and shape into a loaf. Spread the remaining Ketchup or barbecue sauce all over the whole loaf (top and all sides). Bake about an hour or until the internal temp reaches 160 degrees, let sit 15 mins before serving.