Classic Meatloaf

We have a few unwritten rules in our household. I park on the right hand side of the driveway, Brad parks on the left. He does the laundry, and I clean the bathroom. Friday night dinner always means homemade pizza and wine. And when we’re watching TV, if Stepbrothers, Talladega Nights or Wedding Crashers pop up on the TV guide, we simply have to turn it to that channel, no matter how many times we’ve seen it. Clearly we’re big Will Ferrell fans around here.

We’re also big into quoting movies around here, and we tend to work movie quotes into everyday life. So, while preparing this meatloaf, I had to restrain myself from shouting, “MA! The meatloaf!!” I still have no idea why it is so funny, but I can’t help but crack up when someone yells it.

Meatloaf is not necessarily my favorite food, but my husband is a big fan. He let out his typical “Oh my godddddd” after the first bite, which is a sure sign that he liked it. I made this classic version with peppers and onions, but you can easily sneak additional veggies in for added nutrition for your picky eaters. Serve it on top of a pile of mashed potatoes, and save some leftovers for meatloaf sandwiches.

Classic Meatloaf

Yields: 6-8 servings

Ingredients:

1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon pepper
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 (1-ounce) slice white bread, torn into small pieces
1 1/2 pounds ground round
Vegetable cooking spray
1/3 cup ketchup

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine first 8 ingredients in a large bowl, tossing to moisten bread. Crumble meat over onion mixture, and stir just until blended. Pack mixture into a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray. Spread ketchup over top of loaf. Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until meat loaf registers 160°. Let loaf stand in pan 10 minutes.

Remove meat loaf from pan; cut loaf into 6 slices. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes, or as a sandwich between 2 pieces of thick, crusty bread.