There are times we need some good old-fashioned comfort food such as this easy meatloaf. I do so love a good meatloaf. I use to make this fancy meatloaf recipe that took forever, but this easy meatloaf is now my “go-to” recipe when I want something delicious, easy and fun.
This past weekend I had a friend over to play in my kitchen. We typically go to the store, buy our ingredients and then set out to making our dinner. This easy meatloaf was one of the things we decided to cook. It’s a super easy recipe, and you’ll not believe the taste. My husband found the original recipe in a Lodge Cookware Cook Book called “A Skillet Full of Traditional Southern Lodge Cast Iron Recipes & Memories.” It is worth a look.
Of course, we experimented with the recipe and made some modifications. This recipe is now what we use to make this easy meatloaf and the best part? It’s a no-fail super easy meatloaf.
Easy Meatloaf
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground beef (7% to 10% fat content)
- 1/3 (5.3 oz.) of a roll of Jimmy Dean/mild sausage (use the 16 oz. vacuum packed roll)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper or the taste
- 3/4 cup canned diced tomatoes with some of the liquid
- 2/3 cup crushed Original Premium Saltine crackers (with salt)
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cover a small roasting rack with aluminum foil and place on a sheet pan or in a small roasting pan and set aside. Break the ground beef and sausage into small pieces and toss. Mix all ingredients together until all have been equally distributed. Do not over mix. It’s ok if it’s a bit rustic in texture. Shape into a loaf. Place the meatloaf on a small roasting rack on sheet pan or roasting pan. Bake for 1 hour. Let rest 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Serves 4-5
Notes: Always use good saltine crackers. Do Not even consider substituting the saltines crackers with breadcrumbs or Jimmy Dean/Mild Sausage with any another type of sausage. The results will not be nearly as good. I put the meatloaf on a small flat roasting rack with aluminum foil to allow the excess oil to roll off into the pan below. It also helps you to move the meatloaf to a serving platter or cutting board to rest.
We usually serve this easy meatloaf with a green salad and potatoes of some kind. The night my friend made this, we prepared sautéed grape tomatoes tossed with chopped basil, steamed baby carrots sautéed with a little butter and parsley and green salad with a simple vinaigrette. We tried some wine, but alas we didn’t like the two that I had bought AT ALL. Oh well, so much for fun or funky wine labels. That means I will be going in search for a different wine to showcase for you in the future.
Time to eat…
If you enjoyed this Easy Meatloaf recipe, check out the Flattened Roasted Chicken With Herbs or this Caprese Salad as a side dish and a fun Chocolate Mousse Pie In A Jar for dessert. Enjoy.
P.S. Take a moment to check some of the tools I used for this “Chocolate Tasting Board” below. 🙂