I don’t have fond memories of meatloaf. The only positive thing I can say about it was that it made great sandwiches the next day. I have tried a few variations of it over the years but I never worked really hard at it because I assumed all meatloaf was destined to be tasteless hard blocks of mushed up meat. I can hear you now…. “oh you have to try my grandmother’s meatloaf… it’s the best!”. Well, I don’t like different kinds of meat blended together and I certainly don’t like to cut into a meatloaf and see a whole egg staring back at me. So about 5 years ago I gave up. I stumbled upon a random blog that changed my mind.
I know the picture is not the best one I have ever uploaded onto this blog but to be honest, a good meatloaf doesn’t have to be beautiful. It’s what’s on the inside that counts. We paired it with a simple mashed potato and roasted corn and I have now realized just how good this little lump of meat can be. So much so that I plan on keeping ingredients on hand for a regular appearance to our menu. It is so simple, but the quality of ingredients make a big difference so since it’s an inexpensive dish to begin with, consider spending a little more for the ingredients I list:
- 1 Pound GRASS FED Beef
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup half and half
- 1 cup finely grated aged white cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup quick cook oats
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup diced Vidalia onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup ketchup
- 1 1/2 teaspoon mustard (use your favorite, not dried)
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
The key here really is the grass fed beef. Not only is this a better choice in general but the flavor absolutely superior. Cheap meat is cheap for a reason, you get what you pay for. Ok, enough said.
In a bowl, whisk the egg and milk together until well blended. Add the half and half, oats, breadcrumbs, onion, cheese and salt. Add the beef and blend well. This mixture will make eight individual servings. They will be juicy and perfect so resist the temptation to make it into a big block.
The last three ingredients are for the top. Mix the ketchup, brown sugar and mustard together and spread liberally on each one.
That’s it. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Eat and then come back here and tell me what you think!
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