Meat Loaf

Meat loaf gets a bad rap sometimes.  People say it’s either good or it’s completely inedible.  Like, flat out disgusting. Because of this, I will admit, these days I’m a little picky about the meat loaf I eat.  As in, I’ll only eat it if I make it ; )

I have a relative who used to make her meat loaf (and hamburgers) using oatmeal as a filler.  Way too much oatmeal. I understand why.  She was trying to save money by stretching the meat in order to feed her large brood.  But wow, it was seriously disgusting stuff.  And you couldn’t possibly disguise how bad it was. Even if you’d smothered it in a gallon of ketchup, then topped the whole mess off with flaming sparklers as a distraction… Still bad.

Some people in other countries stuff a hard-boiled egg into the center of their meat loaf recipe.  To me that’s a little weird. But whatever. Some people love finding little surprises in their food.

My late grandmother used to make meat loaf as well.  Hers was okay.  But it was  better the next day, smeared with yellow mustard and smashed between two pieces of Wonder bread for a cold sandwich.

I found a recipe I like pretty well, but cannot take credit for any of it, and it is actually a recipe for hamburgers, made with beef.  Yes, hamburgers.  But once I tried the recipe in an actual hamburger I knew I would absolutely love it transformed into a meat loaf (using pork).  The original recipe comes from Karen Bertelsen.

I like it though, I really do.  It’s uncomplicated.  The way a meat loaf should be.  And it actually tastes good too. Especially if you serve it alongside cheesy escalloped potatoes (my favorite)…

And, if you really want to have a little fun, let’s talk about just plain downright “ugly-ass” meat loaf. Oh there is such a beast – trust me.  If you need to confirm you’re a decent cook and that your meat loaf is not some horrid science experiment gone wrong, then click here to view what a meat loaf should never, ever resemble. Have a good laugh…  Enjoy! ~A