ALL-AMERICAN MEAT LOAF

All-American Meat Loaf image

There are many variations on meat loaf, but my family loves this stick-to-your-ribs version. -Margie Williams, Mount Juliet, Tennessee

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 1h20m

Yield 2 loaves (8 servings each).

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1 large green pepper, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
2 teaspoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup 2% milk
6 slices bread, cubed
1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2-1/4 teaspoons dried rosemary, crushed
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 pound ground pork
1-1/2 cups ketchup
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons cider vinegar

Steps:

Saute green pepper and onion in oil in a large skillet until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Transfer to a large bowl; cool to room temperature., Preheat oven to 350°. Add eggs, milk, bread, cheese, rosemary, salt and pepper to sauteed vegetables. Crumble beef and pork over mixture and mix well., Pat into 2 greased 9x5-in. loaf pans. Combine ketchup, brown sugar and vinegar in a small bowl. Spread over tops. , Bake, uncovered, 50-55 minutes or until no pink remains and a thermometer reads 160°. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Freeze option: Shape meat loaves in plastic wrap-lined loaf pans; top with ketchup mixture. Cover and freeze until firm. Remove from pan and wrap securely in foil; return to freezer. Freeze up to 3 months. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 350°. Unwrap meat loaf and place in pan. Bake, uncovered, 1-1/4-1-1/2 hours, or until a thermometer reads 160°.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 286 calories, Fat 14g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 89mg cholesterol, Sodium 765mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (11g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 21g protein.