Meat Loaf

I remember as a child I would CRINGE when my mom would make Meat Loaf (and I consider her an excellent cook), I've never really cared for hamburger but several months back I had this overwhelming craving for Meat Loaf, so I went on a search to find a good Meat Loaf recipe. I found this one tucked away in my recipe box and thought I would give it a try. What caught my eye was the topping - as I remember drowning mine with ketchup as a kid, just so I could eat it. I first made this for the girls and I and they LOVED it and so did I. So last week, I again had a craving for Meat Loaf (and no, I am not pregnant, lol) so I made it for the whole family and I'm happy to report, this recipe was a complete success! I hope your family enjoys it, too!

Ingredients:
1 small onion
1/2 green bell pepper
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
3/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef

Topping:
3 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce


Preheat over to 350º F. Line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with foil (this allows you to lift the meat loaf out easily without sticking). Spray with cooking spray.
Chop onion and bell pepper.

Combine milk and egg in a large bowl

add bread crumbs, basil, parsley and pepper. Stir until blended.

Add onion and bell pepper; mix well.

Add beef; mix by hand just to combine ingredients.

Shape beef mixture in prepared loaf pan. Do not pack.

For topping, combine ketchup, honey and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Mix well. Spread evenly over top of meat loaf.
**We liked the topping so much last time that I double it this go around. ;)

Bake meat loaf until cooked through, about 1 hour. Place pan on wire rack; let stand for 5 minutes. Lift meat loaf out of pan and place on a serving platter. Remove foil. Serve immediately.
Serves 6

Enjoy!!