I am a Southern girl. I come from a long line of true Southern women who know how to cook, pray, love, and gossip with the best of them. One thing I have learned from my momma, and all those before her, is every woman needs to have a good meat loaf recipe under her belt. Yes, take a trip with me back to the days of June Cleaver and Laura Petrie; the days when the way to a man’s heart was through his stomach. Ok, so maybe some things never change. My point is, there is a goodness, a heartiness in this All-American classic that brings the family together. Not only that but it is a simple entrée to make, and yet the family still appreciates that someone took the time to bake for them. Let’s bring goodness back to the family dinner table. Let’s bring back meat loaf!
Meat Loaf from the Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook
Preheat oven to 350°F
2 beaten eggs
3/4 cup milk
2/3 cup fine dry bread crumbs or 2 cups soft bread crumbs (I like the soft – great way to use those leftover heels!)
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 tbsp snipped fresh parsley
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp dried sage, basil, or oregano, crushed (I like to use sage)
1 1/2 lbs ground beef, lamb, or pork
1/4 cup catsup
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp dry mustard
1. In a bowl combine eggs and milk; stir in bread crumbs, onions, parsley, salt, sage, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Add meat; mix well. Lightly pat mixture into an 8 x 4 x 2-in loaf pan.
2. Bake in a 350° oven for 1 to 1 1/4 hours or until internal temperature registers 160°F. Spoon off fat. In a bowl, combine catsup, sugar, and mustard; spread over meat. Bake for 10 minutes more. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
This is a super simple recipe that is easy to whip together and gives you plenty of time to make your side dishes while it is baking. I like to have mashed potatoes with meat loaf. A fresh tossed salad or green beans also go well with this dish.
theripebanana 