Southern Meatloaf Recipe
Meatloaf is a very versatile dish and there are many variations. Most good Southern cooks have a secret ingredient that makes their meatloaf special.
Have you ever tasted meatloaf that was so yummy but you could never quite seem to duplicate?
Well, we're here to help.
We will start with a basic recipe for meatloaf, then give you a few secret ingredients to try, and finally Mom's Southern Meatloaf Recipe. Don't be afraid to experiment a little, until you hit that magic formula that makes your meatloaf "special".
Basic Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
* 2 lbs ground beef* 2 eggs
* 2 slices crumbled up bread
* 1/2 cup crumbled up saltine crackers
* 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 and 1/4 cups ketchup
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Directions
1. Mix all ingredients thoroughly and form into a loaf. Place in loaf pan and bake in 350 degree, pre-heated oven for 1 hour.
Note: When combining ingredients, add liquids slowly while watching the consistency. You want to end up with a moist, firm consistency that holds it's shape. It should not be crumbly-dry or
runny-wet. This may require adding more or less liquid. If too wet, add crackers and bread. If too dry, add milk.
How To Make It "Special"
Glaze:Mix 1 cup ketchup with 1/4 cup honey. Heat in microwave long enough to be able to mix well (about 20-30 seconds). Spread 1/2 of the glaze on top of meatload prior to baking. Spread remainder of glaze on individual slices of cooked meatloaf when served.
Try adding any or all of the following when combining the ingredients:
* 1/2 cup cola/pepsi
* 1/2 teaspoon oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
* 1/3 cup finely chopped bell pepper
* 1/3 cup finely chopped celery
* 1 teaspoon white vinegar
* 1/2 teaspoon sugar
* 1/2 cup oats
* 1/3 cup green chile peppers (not hot)
Mom's Southern Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
* 2 lbs ground beef* 1/2 cup breakfast sausage, crumbled
* 2 eggs
* 2 slices crumbled up bread
* 1/2 to 1 cup crumbled up saltine crackers
* 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
* 1/3 cup finely chopped bell pepper
* 1/3 cup finely chopped celery
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 and 1/4 cups ketchup
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
* 1 tablespoon garlic powder
* Glaze as described above under heading, "How to Make It Special"
Directions
1. Combine all meatloaf ingredients. Form into a loaf and place in a loaf pan. Cover top with 1/2 the glaze.Note: When combining ingredients, add liquids slowly while watching the consistency. You want to end up with a moist, firm consistency that holds it's shape. It should not be crumbly-dry or runny-wet. This may require adding more or less liquid. If too wet, add crackers and bread. If too dry, add milk.
2. Bake in a 350 degree, pre-heated oven for 1 hour.
3. Heat remaining glaze and spread over individual slices of meatloaf when served.