by Laura Leigh Fields

Created on: August 30, 2008

Meatloaf is a quick and easy meal idea that still allows the family to sit down and enjoy dinner together without making mom or dad slave over a hot stove all day. There are lots of variations on the typical meatloaf recipe. Children and adults of all ages are sure to enjoy some of the mouth-watering recipes that you will find below. Don't just take my word for it. Give them a try and see for yourself.

~ Basic Meatloaf ~

Ingredients needed:

1 pound of ground beef
1 cup of cottage cheese
One-half a cup of oatmeal
1 egg
One-fourth cup of catsup
2 tablespoons of mustard
2 tablespoons of chopped (or minced) onion
1 tablespoon of salt
1 tablespoon of pepper
One-half cup of Parmesan cheese

Mix all of the ingredients (except for the cheese) together in a bowl. Make sure everything is well blended. Form the meatloaf into a loaf shape or fill the casserole dish from end to end (however your prefer).

Bake for about twenty-five minutes in a 350-degree oven. Remove and sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional ten more minutes. Let stand for five minutes to cool. Serve four to six people and enjoy!

~ Italian Meatloaf~

Ingredients needed:

One-quarter a cup of finely chopped onion
1 can of tomato sauce (8 ounces)
1 tablespoon of each (salt, pepper, parsley and oregano)
1 slightly beaten egg
3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese
1 pound of ground chuck
One-half cup of beef broth
One-half cup of herb seasoned stuffing
2 tablespoons of butter or margarine

First, saut the onion in the butter on medium heat until it is softened. (This should take 7 to 10 minutes.) In a large bowl, combine the stuffing and the broth. Add all the other ingredients (except for the tomato sauce and the oregano). Lightly stir everything together until it is well blended.

Shape into a loaf and place in a casserole or shallow baking dish. Bake for about thirty minutes in a preheated 375-degree oven. Remove from the oven. Pour the tomato sauce over the loaf and sprinkle with oregano. Return to the oven for an additional thirty minutes.

Depending on how much they can eat or how hungry they are, this recipe will serve four to six people. If you are feeding more, feel free to double the ingredients. Enjoy your meal!

~ Pizza-Style Meatloaf ~

Ingredients Needed:

2 pounds of ground beef
1 green pepper (seeded and chopped)
4 ounces sliced mushrooms
1 cup of mixed pizza cheese
2 cups of medium cracker crumbs
1 can of pizza sauce (8 ounces)
1 cup of milk
1 tablespoon of oregano and salt
One half cup of Parmesan cheese
2 slightly beaten eggs
One half cup of chopped onion

Mix all of the ingredients together (except for the cheese and pizza sauce). Stir them up until they are well blended. Form to fill in a medium sized greased baking pan. Bake 45 minutes in a 350-degree oven. Remove from oven and spread the pizza sauce evenly over the loaf. Sprinkle cheese on top. Return to oven for an additional 8 to 10 minutes. This recipe will serve 8 or more people. It will also reheat well if you want leftovers later!

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