Favorite Meatloaf

This will be your new "favorite meatloaf" recipe!

Meatloaf!  The ultimate comfort food, served with mashed potatoes or Mac & Cheese, tossed salad and warm, fresh bread...it just doesn't get any better than this!   

My husband loved meatloaf!   He would check out the meatloaf at every restaurant we visited, and give me a review that usually ended with "...but, it's not as good as yours."  Honestly, though, he gave this one his "5 star" rating!  Oh, and this is the only meatloaf my granddaughter will eat. 

This is quick, easy, and filled with great flavor.  I adapted it from an old recipe I found years ago, with lighter versions of classic comfort food.   I added a few more tasty ingredients and voila!  The meal turned out great and always makes for the perfect family-style dinner!  It's a large recipe, so I always divide and shape it, wrap in plastic, then place in a freezer bag.  Now it's all ready for another time.

Ingredients:

1 large onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup. Zesty Italian dressing

Covered in Swiss cheese...so yummy!

2 lb. lean ground beef
1/4 tsp. granulated garlic (or garlic powder)
3/4 c. ketchup, divided
1 tsp. prepared mustard (yellow or spicy)
1 (6oz.) pkg. stuffing mix for chicken (I use lower sodium)
1 cup water (or 1% milk)
1 egg (or 2 egg whites)
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (sometime I use Swiss or Provolone) 

Heat oven to 350°F.

Cook onions in dressing in skillet on medium heat 8 to 10 min. or until golden brown, stirring frequently. Cool slightly. 
          
Mix meat, onions, 1/4 cup ketchup, mustard, stuffing mix, water and egg (or egg whites.) Shape into 10x5-inch loaf in 13x9-inch baking dish; cover with remaining ketchup.           

Bake for  55 min. to 1 hour or until done (center reaches 160°F).  

Sprinkle with cheese; bake 2-3 minutes or until melted. 

Be encouraged!

"The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe."  -Proverbs 18:10