Meatloaf is one of America's favorite foods. Ground meat is combined with grains, vegetables and seasonings. The mixture is shaped into a loaf, topped with sauce such as ketchup or barbecue sauce, and baked in the oven. Generally served with a scoop of mashed potatoes, meatloaf is an excellent comfort food and a great way to stretch the family food budget. The recipe below is considered an American classic. Quick-cooking oatmeal is mixed in to extend the meat and absorb any oil generated by the browning beef, and adds a hint of tangy flavor while providing a bit of moisture to hold it all together.
Instructions
1. Combine the ground beef, ground pork, onions, peppers, crumbs, oatmeal and seasonings in a large mixing bowl. Mix the ingredients until the seasonings and vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Thoroughly grease a large loaf pan, 9 inches long by 5 inches wide.
3. Whisk together the eggs, tomato juice, barbecue sauce, vinegar, and liquid smoke. Beat until thoroughly blended.
4. Make a well in the center of the meat mixture. Pour the liquid ingredients into the well.
5. Stir the ingredients with a large, sturdy spoon to combine the ingredients. Then mix the ingredients with your hands to thoroughly combine.
6. Transfer the meatloaf mixture from the bowl into the prepared pan, patting lightly to shape into a loaf.
7. Place the barbecue sauce and brown sugar in a small bowl and beat with a fork until thoroughly blended and smooth. Pour the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
8. Bake the meatloaf for 65 minutes. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes prior to serving.
Tags: barbecue sauce, ingredients with, into loaf, thoroughly blended, tomato juice, until thoroughly, until thoroughly blended