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There's just really not any way to make meatloaf sound more interesting.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork or pork sausage
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- garlic
- worchestershire sauce
- beef boullion cube
- 1 cup grated cheese (optional)
- rosemary, oregano, thyme, parsley, onion powder, other seasonings to taste
Loafing Around
Preheat oven to 375.
In a large bowl, combine the beef and pork (use your hands. It won't
kill you, honest. But wash them first!) Add the egg and breadcrumbs, and
mix well. Add the seasonings...however much you like, or none at all. Splash in a bit of worchestershire sauce and crumble in the boullion cube. Add chopped garlic to taste. Shape into a loaf. Create a dent in the top, and fill with the grated cheese (optional). Close the meat tightly over the top of the trench, to seal in the cheese.
Put the loaf in an oven-safe pan, and put in the oven for an hour.
Easiest way to check for doneness is to cut into the center. If it's still
pink, it's not done. Safest way to check is to get a meat thermometer, and remember to check it for "pork", not beef.
Notes and Hints and Stuff
- "Seasonings" is kinda vague, isn't it?
Absolutely. One person's seasoning is another person's poison. If you don't like onion, don't use it. If you love garlic, throw some of that in. Usually, I throw in a combination of chopped onion, chopped garlic, Italian seasoning, worcestershire sauce, boullion, salt, pepper, and Lowry's seasoning salt. I don't measure, I just shake. If you feel uncomfortable without measuring, a rule for dried seasonings is 1-2 teaspoons will usually do it.
- But it's just a lump of meat.
Basically, yeah. Serve it with ketchup, or some simple brown gravy. It goes very well with beans, potatoes, and other "hearty" side dishes.
- Be adventurous!
If you want, put some parmesan cheese in the mix. Before forming the meat
into a loaf, put slices of mozzerella or provolone cheese in the middle. Mmm.
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