Amazing Meatloaf Recipe!

"Meatloaf smeatloaf double beatloaf. I hate meatloaf." We all remember that scene from 'A Christmas Story'...when Mommy is trying to get little Randy to eat his meatloaf...like the piggies do. It makes me giggle every single time.

In my house we have no problem with the meatloaf. It is a family favorite. I recently made meatloaf for our last charity cooking session at Food With Love and the family it was for liked it so much that they asked me for the recipe. So, this one's for you Martinez Family. Enjoy!

I never had a specific recipe before. I remember watching my mom make meatloaf when I was a kid and as an adult it took me a few years and many attempts to get it just the way I love it. I also used to make it in one big loaf pan but have since started making mine into individual sized loaves. This way everyone get a piece with delicious edges and a perfect middle. Yum!

Amazing Meatloaf Recipe

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef
1 lb. sausage (I prefer Jimmy Dean regular flavor)
1 sleeve Ritz crackers (or similar, crushed well)
2 Tbsp. minced garlic
1 medium onion (diced small)
1 egg
2 tsp. ground or cracked black pepper
2 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. ketchup
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
4 Tbsp. milk

Topping:

ketchup
brown sugar

Directions:

1. Dice the onion small.

2. Place the crackers in a zip lock bag and crush them into very tiny pieces/powder.

3. Place all of the ingredients (except for the 2 toppings) into a large bowl and squish/mix together with your hands until very well incorporated. (I make sure to take off all of my rings and check/clean under my fingernails before doing this step)

4. Divide the meat mixture into 6-8 even portions and form each into a heaping patty shape.

5. Place them on a baking sheet with an edge (or a 9x13 pan would do).

6. Top each individual meatloaf with 2-3 Tbsp. of brown sugar, patting it down a bit and keeping as much of the sugar on the meat as you can. Zig zag ketchup on top of the brown sugar on each loaf.

7. Bake in a 350° oven for @ 35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°.

As you can see, I left the ketchup off of one loaf since I have a child that does not eat ketchup. Yet another great reason to make them into individual sized loaves. I hope you enjoy this recipe. Please share or comment if you try it out. I would love to hear from you! Happy eating!