DeeDee's Meatloaf
Ingredients
6
servings
- 1 egg
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 2 small cans tomato sauce
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1 1/2 pound ground meat
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp prepared mustard
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a shallow 7x10 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg. Add the ground meat, bread crumbs, finely chopped onion, salt and pepper, and 1/2 can of the tomato sauce. Mix well until combined.
- Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place in the prepared pan.
- For the sauce, combine the remaining tomato sauce (1 1/2 cans), water, brown sugar, prepared mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Mix well and pour over the meatloaf.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes, basting occasionally with the pan sauce.
Common Problems and Solutions
Q: Why is my meatloaf dry?
A: Don't overmix the meat mixture, and make sure to baste with the sauce every 20-30 minutes during baking. The tomato sauce keeps it moist.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes! Form the loaf and prepare the sauce, then refrigerate separately. Pour the sauce over just before baking.
Q: Why did my meatloaf fall apart?
A: The egg and bread crumbs act as binders. Make sure the egg is well-beaten and fully incorporated into the mixture.
Tips and Techniques
Don’t skip the basting—it keeps the meatloaf moist and builds up a delicious glaze. Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes after baking before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Ingredient Substitutions
- ground meat: ground turkey or a mix of ground beef and pork
- bread crumbs: crushed crackers or quick oats
- prepared mustard: Dijon mustard or spicy brown mustard
Equipment Needed
- 7x10 inch shallow baking pan or similar sized baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for sauce
