by A. L. Sugden

Created on: July 08, 2008   Last Updated: November 29, 2011

This is my favorite in-a-pinch meal. I almost always have all the ingredients on hand, so when I don't want to think about the answer to "What's for dinner, Hon?" all I have to do is throw this together. It just takes a couple of minutes to get it in the oven, then I've got a free hour to enjoy before dinner. I'll even pull this recipe out when I have company for dinner: I can adjust the amounts and exchange the ingredients to the taste of most any guest. When you need a hearty meal in a pinch, this recipe will save the day.

PREP:
Preheat oven to 350
Need 8x4x2 inch loaf pan
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Serves 8

INGREDIENTS:
MEATLOAF
2 beaten eggs
1 cup milk
1 chopped onion (medium)
1/4 teaspoon garlic
1/2 teaspoon parsley
1/4 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 cup oats

SAUCE
1 cup catsup
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon mustard

COOK:
1. In a large bowl, combine eggs, milk, onion and seasonings.
2. Add beef, mix well.
3. Add oats a little at a time, mixing well, until all wet ingredients are absorbed and desired consistency is reached.
4. Gently pat mixture into loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour. Carefully drain any fats and set aside.
5. For sauce, combine all ingredients.
6. Apply sauce to meatloaf, return meatloaf to oven for 10 minutes, or until sauce has caramelized.
7. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

One thing I've noticed over the years is that if I don't make enough sauce to cover the meatloaf with some leftover, I'll be asked to make more. I usually make about 1 1/2 times the sauce recipe, maybe a little more, so my husband can have his own bowl for dipping.

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