Dec 1, 2007

State Fair Meat Loaf




A prize winner from the 70's remains my all time favorite traditional  meat loaf.
We love meatloaf. Favorites include  spinach -marbled meatloaf and   Italian meat & cheese- pinwheeled meat loaf  too but sometimes  the old traditional  recipes just can't be beat.

Preheat the oven to 375. Saute 1 grated carrot, 1 small green pepper, chopped, and 1 onion, chopped, in 2 TB butter or margarine for about 4 minutes. Meanwhile make 2 slices toast and soak them in 1/2 c. milk until softened & soggy. Now combine it with the veggies, 2 lb ground beef, 1 egg, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper. Squish lightly but well and shape into a loaf and use the back of a spoon to make  a shallow trough down the length to help keep the topping where it should be.  Place in a baking dish like a 9x13 pan ( not a 'bread-loaf" pan). Spread on the topping and bake at 375 for 60 minutes.

Topping: Saute 1 small onion, chopped, in 1 TB butter, then add 1/2 c ketchup, 1/4 c. water, 1-1/2 TB Worcestershire, 1-1/2 TB sugar or Splenda, 1-1/2 TB cider vinegar, salt & pepper.

Remove from oven and let sit for 10 minutes before cutting.