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My Basic Meatloaf

This mixture is fairly versatile. I use it to fill peppers and cabbage rolls as well as just plain meatloaf.





List of Ingredients



• 1 pound ground beef or venison
  
• 1 onion, chopped fairly fine
  
• 1 clove garlic, minced
  
• 1 egg
  
• Milk to moisten
  
• 1/2-1 cup of ONE of the following: cooked rice, oatmeal, soft bread crumbs, cooked wheat berries, etc.
  
• Salt and pepper to taste
  
• 2 large potatoes, cut into 1/2" lengthwise slices, optional
  






Instructions



1. Combine all ingredients, except potatoes, until well-blended. Shape into a loaf.
   
2. Spray a deep baking dish with oil. Place potato slices on bottom. Arrange meat loaf on top. Top with catsup drizzled across top and bell pepper wedges, if available. Bake at 350 degrees about 60-70 minutes or until potatoes are soft.
   






Final Comments


Notes: The potato slices soak up most of the drippings. I tried this a few years ago and love the flavor. I suppose thickly sliced onion would do the same.

Optional additions: Try a few Thai chiles tucked into the loaf. Leave whole, though, so the timid can remove them.

Tuck several garlic cloves into the loaf.

Use oregano, thyme, basil or parsley to add Italian flavor.

Use 1 teaspoon ground cumin to suggest Mexican influence.

Mash a can of beans to extend meat. Hot chili beans give meatloaf a southwestern flavor.

Shape meatloaf into 4 miniloaves and bake for slightly less time.