Cheeseburger Meat Loaf

Okay, here's the plain hard truth, I do not have enough skill to make meat loaf LOOK attractive and appetizing, but I can assure you that if Southern Comfort Food is on your radar, you should definitely give this meat loaf twist a try! I balanced out the calories by serving roasted cauliflower and steamed butternut squash seasoned with melted butter and salt and pepper. I also served fresh veggies for the kiddos.  Let me know if you try this meatloaf recipe and what you think. (I got this recipe from the Hickory Hollow Christian School A+ Recipes, page 101, submitted by my very good friend and classmate, Deborah Heatwole.)

Cheeseburger Meat Loaf

1/2 cup Ketchup, divided
1 egg
1/4 cup bread crumbs or oatmeal (I used rolled oats)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 pound ground beef
2 teaspoons prepared mustard
2 teaspoon dill pickle relish or chopped dill pickle (I did more like 2 tablespoons)
4 slices American cheese or 1/2 cup grated cheddar (I used cheddar)

Method: Mix 1/4 cup of ketchup, egg, onion powder, bread crumbs OR oatmeal, whichever you are using. Add ground beef. Mix well. Pat half of meat mixture into a loaf pan. Spread with ketchup, mustard, dill pickles, and then top with cheese. Carefully add remaining meat mixture on top. Spread out and seal edges. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes. Garnish top with American cheese triangles or a drizzle of ketchup if desired. (I added another 1/4 cup of grated cheddar and allowed it to just start melting before cutting and serving.)

Yield: 6 servings