This is what I like to call "man-loaf" in honor of my hubs.
I always tried making meatloaf for him, but it wasn't ever good enough.
I kept asking myself, "what could make meatloaf better?"
Then it dawned on me. BACON. Yes, you read that correctly. BACON. Little bits of real, crispy bacon cooked right into the ground beef. And the ground beef can't be too dry (he hates lean beef hamburgers...same goes for his meatloaf), so 80% ground beef is also a must for this loaf.
This meatloaf, I must admit, this has also become my favorite meatloaf. It has really good flavor, isn't dry, and the little bits of bacon are also my favorite. It doesn't take a lot to make, and really is quiet simple; as simple as any meatloaf can be.
I love to pair this man-loaf with cheesy mashed potatoes and green beans. Corn bread would be good also, but it is definitely complete enough with the potatoes and green beans.
Other comfort food dishes:
Meatloaf
by
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 50 min
Ingredients (8 servings)
- 2lbs ground beef (I like 80/20)
- 1lb bacon
- 1 small-medium onion, chopped
- 1 sleeve saltine crackers; crushed (or Ritz)
- 3 eggs
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup ketchup
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425°
Place uncooked bacon on a large cutting board; using a sharp knife, cut the bacon into 1/2 inch pieces.
Put the bacon pieces in a large skillet over a high heat and cook the bacon, moving frequently so it doesn't stick at first.
Cook until crispy. Remove to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the extra grease.
In a large mixing bowl combine the ground beef, cooked bacon pieces, chopped onion, crushed crackers, eggs, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese, pepper and salt.
Mix well (you'll have to get your hands in there probably)
Place a cooling rack in a large baking pan or dish to create a place for the fat from the beef to drip.
Form the meat into two large loaves and place on the cooling rack in the dish.
Cook in the oven for about 35-40 minutes; then spread the ketchup evenly over the tops of each loaf and then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the tops.
Return the loaves to the oven and let cook another 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted.
Remove from the oven and let set about 5 minutes before cutting so it doesn't fall apart.
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Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
by
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 15 min
Ingredients
- 4-6 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup milk (I use 2%)
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Place the cubed potatoes in a saucepan, add water until potatoes are covered.
Add the salt, place a lid over the potatoes and bring water to a boil over a medium-high heat.
Drain the water once the potatoes are fork-tender.
Add the milk and sour cream to the potatoes; mash. Add more or less milk or sour cream, depending on the amount of the potatoes you cooked. I like mine creamy.
Once mashed, add in the shredded cheese and mix well.
They are ready to serve!
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