Meatloaf Monday
Need a recipe for a moist and full of flavor Meatloaf? This IS the one to make …
Meatloaf Monday!
Confession time: Some days I just don’t want to cook. I know, I know – I’m a foodie, but I do have my moments of “Take out please”! On occasion I do give in and treat us to something like Zaxby’s … but I really do prefer knowing what is going into my food and being able to pronounce the ingredients. So when I find a simple kid lovin’ meal that the kid’s can get involved in with mixing it up, it makes life easier. I love what goes into this recipe … and yes, I can even pronounce all the ingredients… even Worcestershire, lol.
Gorgeous tasting food doesn’t have to always be beautiful!
Let me be the first to say that Meatloaf is NOT a pretty food. Okay? So now you must use your taste bud’s imagination and bear with me here. I will also be the first to say that when it is cooking, the aroma is incredible and drool worthy! Seriously. AND I’m gonna add the fact that this Meatloaf has some kicking flavors!
This Meatloaf isn’t just for Mondays!
Through the years, I confess that Meatloaf has not been my favorite. I’ve had the good, the bad and most definitely the ugly. More of a hit or miss for me. It’s a touchy kind of meal actually, and can easily become dried out if not cooked with a bit of care. When I found this recipe scratched on an old recipe card, it was by far the best Meatloaf I’ve encountered. By adding the Smokey Bacon over the top, not only is it kept moist, BUT heaven’s to Betsy, it adds that serious kicking FLAVOR!
So the next time you need a comfort meal or a good old fashioned hearty meal, serve up this Meatloaf with, of course, mashed potatoes and enjoy! AND don’t forget, if you happen to have leftovers, the much adored Meatloaf Sandwich with just a bit of mayonnaise is heavenly!
Meatloaf Monday
Seriously a moist and gorgeous tasting Meatloaf .... It's time for Meatloaf Monday! Perfect for a cozy meal or served up on some bread with mayo!
Ingredients
- 2 Tbls Butter
- 2 Celery Stalks, chopped fine
- 1 small Yellow Onion, chopped fine
- 2 Garlic Cloves, crushed
- 2 lbs Ground Beef
- 2 Eggs
- 1 cup Bread Crumbs (can use a mixture of Bread Crumbs and crushed Saltines)
- 1 Tbls dried Italian Herb blend (without salt), (can use a mixture of dried Oregano, Basil and Flat Leaf Parsley)
- 1/2 tsp each of Salt and Pepper
- 2 Tbls Worcestershire Sauce
- 1/4 cup Heinz Chili Sauce or Ketchup
- 4 - 6 strips Smoked Bacon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- In a small skillet over medium high heat, melt the butter and saute the celery, onions and garlic until soft. Let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine Meat, Eggs, Bread Crumbs, dried Herbs, Salt and Pepper, Worcestershire Sauce and Chilli Sauce.
- Using your hands, mix everything thoroughly. You can also mix in a sturdy stand mixer with the flat paddle.
- Add in the cooled Onions mixture and blend through.
- Once it's well blended, mold into an oval "loaf" and place in a lightly greased casserole or baking pan.
- Top the Meatloaf with the strips of Bacon.
- Bake uncovered in preheated oven for 1 - 1 1/4 hrs, basting a few times during cooking.
- Remove Meatloaf from oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Note: Can substitute 1/2 of the Beef with Pork using a mixture both.
Can substitute the Italian Herb blend with a mixture of dried Rosemary and Thyme.
Feel free to add other vegetables along with the sauteed Onions, such as Carrots or Bell Peppers.
Stacey is a Southern girl with a taste for travel, thriving on the discovery of the world through food. After spending many years traveling and living overseas, she’s now back home in her beloved deep south enjoying life with her three little ones and loving the adventure. She’s a food stylist and food photographer, as well as, the creative behind Little Figgy Food, where she loves to inspire others to try new flavors and foodie techniques.
This is absolutely the best meatloaf I have ever cooked or eaten. My guests said the same thing. Awesome!
Thank you Annie!!! I’m so glad you and your guest enjoyed it so!