by Sheryl Spencer

Created on: July 05, 2008   Last Updated: July 08, 2008

Meatloaf has been a staple dish prepared in many a household through the ages and is considered to be one of the "comfort foods" we still enjoy today. But, if you want to try something a little bit different, here's a new way to zest up a classic dish. (Side-note: If it seems that this mixture will be too runny, it won't be. I thought the same thing when I was testing this, but it turned out delicious. The milk binds together with the added ingredients to the meatloaf mixture to give it a very moist flavor, without losing any of the beefy meatloaf flavor.)

Brown Sugar Meatloaf

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
3/4 cup finely crushed saltine cracker crumbs
1/2 cup chopped onion
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup ketchup
2 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Topping -
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup ketchup

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 5x9 inch loaf pan.

In a large bowl, thoroughly combine all the ingredients (except topping). Place into prepared pan and using your fingers, shape the mixture so that there is a little room between the loaf and the edges of the pan to allow for some of the grease to drain out.

Combine the topping ingredients and spread evenly on top of the meatloaf.

Bake for 1 hour, or until thoroughly done.

Hint - To help remove all the excess grease, remove the meatloaf from the pan immediately after it done and place it (preferably) on a wire rack that has been set over a frying pan, etc. to catch the grease, or simply set it on a plate or platter.

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