Meatloaf

This is my dad's and my brother's favorite.  I'm surprised I haven't posted it before since we have it so often around here.  My kiddos love meatloaf too so it's nice to have a meal that everyone at the table likes (that doesn't happen a lot with kids).  It's a pretty basic recipe...no secret ingredient or anything...but it's a crowd pleaser!  The recipe below is for an 8x8 but when I'm feeding everyone we usually double it and do a 9x13. Great with mashed or baked potatoes. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 lbs. ground beef

2 eggs

20 saltines, crushed

1 8 oz. can tomato sauce

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. dried minced onion

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. parsley

½ tsp paprika

½ tsp celery seed

¼ tsp. cumin

Black pepper, to taste

1 cup ketchup

1/3 cup brown sugar

*If doubling recipe, only use 3 eggs instead of 4.

*If you don't have all those seasonings you can omit them and use half a pack of McCormick Meatloaf seasoning instead.  It's a good time saver too and tastes great!

Instructions:

Mix raw ground beef, egg, crushed saltines, tomato sauce, and seasoning in a large bowl until well combined. Press meat mixture into an 8x8 baking dish.  

In a small bowl combine ketchup and brown sugar.  Spread over top of meatloaf.  Bake at 400 degrees for 60-70 minutes or until cooked through. 

or....

Freezer Meal Prep Instructions:

Combine ground beef, eggs, saltines, tomato sauce and seasoning together in a large bowl.  Combine well and make sure seasoning are spread throughout the mixture.  Press evenly into a disposable 8x8 baking dish.

In a small bowl whisk ketchup and brown sugar together.  Spread ketchup mixture over the top of the meatloaf.  Cover with a double layer of foil.  Label and freeze.

Cooking Instructions:

Defrost meatloaf in fridge overnight. Bake at 400 degrees for 60-70 minutes or until cooked through. If desired you can make extra sauce and brush it on the meatloaf half way through baking. Let sit at room temperature for 5 min. and serve.