Simple meatloaf recipe?

[pretnichols]

I've only made meatloaf twice in my life -- neither was very good. I won't count my attempt at venison meatloaf -- that was inedible! Anyway, I'm looking for a very simple, mild tasting meatloaf recipe. I looked in Betty Crocker -- but it calls for spinach leaves & ham. My kids won't touch it! Neither likes sauce either, but I can work around that. My DH loves meatloaf, and only gets it when we go to a restaurant every once in a while. Anyone have a simple, easy recipe, that kids like to eat?

I grew up with my Grandmother's meatloaf -- it was a "surprise" everytime, as she used whatever was handy. Maybe that's why I'm not a big fan.

Thanks in advance!!!!!!

[Mom of Six]

here is mine, it is very mild.
1 pound ground beef (I usually use ground sirloin)
1 egg
1cup oatmeal (dry)
about 1 tablespoon season salt and onion powder( you can use real onions or onion flakes but I can't eat that & my kids won't).
mix together & bake in a loaf pan @375 about 45 min or until not pink in the middle.
My DD(16) loves to squish it together with her hands!

[Sherri]

I use the one on the Lipton Soup Package

[pretnichols]

Thanks ladies -- I surfed the internet last night, and was amazed at how many variations there are. I never thought of onion soup mix, yet I use it for so many other things. Can I substitute bread crumbs for the oatmeal? I have both, but kept seeing bread crumbs in the recipes. Just wondering?! I won't deviate today, since I don't want to make a mistake. Pretty sad state of affairs if I can't make a simple meatloaf -- but I do love to bake!

[pretnichols]

So far so good --- it tastes yummy ( I nibbled a little off a side). I also made chili -- now the weather just needs to cooperate and cool off!

[Mom of Six]

what recipe did you use?

[lendube]

You know, I cheat and use the packaged spices on the racks at the grocery store. They're just fine and not too wild at all.

Nice to see you Peggy, it's been a while.

[HeyJudee]

How about...

Dr. Joyce Brothers' Simple Honest, Terrific Meat Loaf
(it was a celebrity recipe in the TV Guide...and it's the only meat loaf recipe that I use).

Preparation time: 5 - 10 minutes
Baking Time: 1.5 hours
Serves 8

2 lbs. ground chuck steak
4 pieces bread, made into crumbs
2 eggs, beaten
1 medium onion, chopped in small pieces
1 tsp. salt
1 gr. or red sweet pepper
1 tsp. dried mustard
1 tbsp. white horseradish
1/4 c. ketchup
additional ketchup to coat

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly mix all ingredients except additonal ketchup in a large bowl, using a spoon or your hands. Form mixture into a loaf and place in a large-size pan. (Make sure the pan is larger than the meat loaf.)
Ice top and sides with additional ketchup as if frosting a cake.
Bake 1.5 hours in the oven. Remove from oven. Carefully pour off fat.

[Bama]

My mother used to make cheeseburger mini loaves when I was a kid. It had ground beef, bread or cracker crumbs, an egg or two, ketchup, shredded cheeese, and chopped dill pickles. She shaped them into mini loaves, spread with more ketchup, and baked them. When they were done, she placed cheese slices on top and put back into the oven until the cheese melted. My home ec teacher made a similar meat loaf, except she poured cheese soup over the top of it.
I like to spread ketchup mixed with brown sugar over the top of my meatloaves. I don't have a recipe, I just throw in whatever I feel like. (onions, peppers, etc.)

[pretnichols]

Barb, I used your recipe -- except I think I added to much oatmeal. I cooked a lot of things yesterday so that we'd have dinner for the next few nights -- meatloaf is tonight. My DH is so excited -- his favorite. I did not put any sauce/gravy/ketchup on it, as my kids won't eat it that way. Adding cheese sounds yummy -- I might try that next time.

Thanks for all the suggestions and help ladies!

Lennie, as for being online, I visit, but don't post. I haven't sewed anything since May -- unless you count scout badges to vests. Between 2 jobs, my kids activities and volunteering for the PTA, I have no free time. I'll keep visiting though & pop in a post here and there.

Have a great day!