Friday, July 15, 2011

Mmmmm Meatloaf


I've tried several meatloaf recipes over the years and I believe the one below is the best. It's incredibly basic but flavorful. The key ingredient: horseradish. I know, it's a little odd but trust me when I say it's really good. Give it a try - you won't regret it (and if you wrinkle your nose as you measure out the horseradish, that's okay because that's what I do too.) Here's the recipe and my alterations are below:
Full disclosure: mint sprig added to make this photo look somewhat professional

Mom's Meatloaf
(courtesy of FoodNetwork.com / Diners Drive-In and Dives)

1 tsp. prepared horseradish
1 tsp. dry mustard
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 lb. ground beef, moistened
1/2 onion, finely chopped
1 egg
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 C. bread crumbs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, mix together the horseradish, mustard, salt and pepper. Set aside. 

In a large bowl, mix ground beef, onion, egg, and Worcestershire sauce. Add contents of small bowl and mix thoroughly. Add the bread crumbs and combine well. 

Place mixture into a 1-lb. loaf pan. Pour ketchup over top and place in oven. Bake uncovered for 45-60 mins. Makes 4 servings.

My alterations: I've made this with 1 tsp. horseradish (as directed) and with two. I think doubling the horseradish is the way to go. I also have made this with beef and with ground turkey. We prefer the turkey version. I've only used regular bread crumbs but I'm thinking the Italian crumbs might be interesting. I also use whatever onion I have on hand -- yellow, purple, etc. And if you're in sweltering weather somewhere else in the US (it was a lovely 76 degrees here today - not to rub your nose in it or anything) and you don't want to eat hot meatloaf, use the leftovers for cold meatloaf sandwiches; they're yummy!

2 comments:

Jennifer said...

I love meatloaf, though some in my family don't, maybe this will bring them around!

Anonymous said...

Sounds great - although I love my recipe so much I don't think I'll ever change. In fact, Aaron was asking yesterday when I'm planning on making more. Which will be this weekend. Time to stock the freezer! http://lindybasenji.typepad.com/two_happy_bellies/2010/07/tracys-meatloaf.html