I don’t think I know anyone who doesn’t like a good meatloaf.  Meatloaf and mashed potatoes, meatloaf and roasted potatoes, meatloaf and green beans, it’s all good.  And everyone seems to have their own meatloaf recipe that has been handed down through the years.

The one I make is a classic yet simple recipe that knocks people’s socks off every time.  Here’s it is.

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Meatloaf Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 small green pepper, finely diced
• 1 box garlic or onion or cheese croutons
• 1 teaspoon of yellow mustard
• 2 cans tomato soup
• 2 eggs
• dash of salt
• dash of pepper
• optional ingredient – kick it up with a few splashes of your favorite hot sauce into the meat mixture.

Meatloaf Preparation

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  In a bowl combine ground beef, onion, green pepper, mustard, eggs, salt, and pepper.  Crush the croutons with a rolling pin.  Add croutons to bowl.  Mix thoroughly.  Allow to sit for 15 minutes.  Form into a loaf and place in a 9×13 pan.  I like using that size pan because it leaves enough room around the edge of the meatloaf for diced potatoes to roast alongside the meatloaf.  Cover meatloaf with one can of tomato soup, do not add water.  Place in oven and bake for 30 minutes.  Remove from oven and spread the other can of tomato soup over the meatloaf.  Put back in oven and cook for another 30 minutes.  Then  take it out, slice and serve.

Optional Summer/Fall Preparation

One great thing to do is make this meatloaf ahead of time, allow to cool completely, then slice into thick cuts.  Get the BBQ grill going and make sure the grill is oiled so the meat won’t stick.  Lay the slabs of meatloaf on the grill to heat and pick up a little char.  Mmmmmmmmm.  Then serve with ketchup or your favorite BBQ sauce.