I’ve always loved to cook and one of my mom’s favorite stories to tell centers on the premise that you can put anything into meatloaf. When she told 9-year old me this casual info, she must have been referring to the flexibility of spices, starches and sauces. However, I took her a bit too literal and added my favorite food- Nerds candy. Yup, I served my parents and brother a hearty plate of crunchy-candy infused meatloaf. The bright speckles were a shock to all, but we managed through and still laugh about that fateful dinner. This recipe is a variation of my MIL’s meatloaf, sans candy. I simplified the measurements and eliminated ingredients that most kitchens don’t stock. This delicious dish is sure to warm your soul during cold months!
Whisk together:
- 2 eggs
- 1 t. salt
- 1/2 t. each:
- black pepper
- chili powder
- nutmeg powder
- cumin
Pour into large bowl filled with:
- 3 lbs. ground meat mixture, (I use all beef, 90/10 fat ratio)
- 1 medium chopped onion
- 1/2 c. each:
- brown sugar
- Italian bread crumbs
- oats
Gently mix well with hands, shape into 2 loafs and place each onto a foil lined baking dish, (9×13 works well, but use what you have and turn the foil edge up to create a lip to contain juices).
Using same bowl, whisk together the following sauce, then pour half of the sauce over each of the loafs:
- 1/2 c. ketchup
- 1 t. yellow mustard
- 3 T. brown sugar
- (Optional: add a few shakes of Worcestershire sauce to one loaf to create a more savory option.)
Cover each pan with foil, then bake at 350-degrees for one hour. Uncover, check for done-ness, allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
· Simple · Family · Food · 