Savory Meatloaf

Makes 8 Servings

3 lbs ground chuck
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups oatmeal
1/4 cup milk
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, finely diced
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon Worcestershire
Olive oil

Topping:
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon mustard
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350.

Place all meatloaf ingredients in large bowl and mix with hands until well blended--do not over mix, just until well blended and "dough" is formed. Form into loaf, cut four slits in the top and drizzle with olive oil. Place on greased cookie sheet or loaf pan. Bake for 55-65 minutes. Meanwhile, mix all topping ingredients together until well blended. After meatloaf is done, pour off grease and spread topping evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Place back in oven for 8-10 minutes. Cut into slices and serve. *Can also preheat oven to 400, shape meatloaf into several 3" balls and place in a greased muffin tin. Bake for 15-20 minutes until done.*



Meatloaf is a favorite in this house! We usually eat ours with some type of potato--baked, mashed or hashbrown casserole are the top choices here. Also a roasted vegetable and yeast rolls usually find their way onto the table also. When I am in a rush, I do the muffins...so much faster! The kids like to get their own individual "meatballs". Just cut slits in each "muffin" and drizzle with olive oil, bake as directed and top with the spread either just before serving, or if you want it to "glaze", stick it back in the oven just as you would the loaf, for 8 minutes or so. I have so many variations of meatloaves and every time I serve one we all say "This is my favorite one!" because the truth is you just can't go wrong with any of them! I have an Italian version that I will be posting soon that is awesome also. One thing I love about meatloaf is the leftovers--slap some between a couple of slices of bread and you've got a yummy sandwich for lunch the next day. Mmmm!