I'm always on the lookout for easy, economical family pleasing recipes. These Lil Cheddar Meat Loaves from Taste of Home are a perfect example of that.
A pound of 80/20 ground beef is running just under $5 here in New England and most of the other ingredients are pantry staples. If you don't keep fresh onion on hand you can substitute 2 tablespoons of minced dried onions.
I revved it up a bit by swapping out half the regular ketchup for jalapeno ketchup. I liked the little zip, but you could also get that by adding a couple drops of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to the regular ketchup.
The recipe is easily doubled and after they are baked I move them to a clean cookie sheet, freeze them until solid and then vacuum seal them in portions. One loaf is also the perfect size for a nice sandwich on hearty bread. Thank you so much to Kathy B for sharing her recipe!
Lil Cheddar Meat Loaves
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup jalapeno ketchup
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons prepared mustard
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk egg and milk.
- Stir in the cheese, oats, onion and salt.
- Crumble beef over mixture and mix well.
- Shape into 8 loaves; place in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar and mustard; spoon over loaves.
- Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until no pink remains and a thermometer reads 160°.
I love these little single portion meatloaves. The flavors sound incredible! I've always thought meatloaves were budget friendly, but your recipe proves it!
ReplyDeleteOh fun! I love anything in mini form. Meatloaf is a regular addition to our weekly menu.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great idea to idea to have individual servings.
ReplyDeleteLove this smaller portions and sounds very delicious! Also, love how this is budget friendly!
ReplyDeleteYum!! Meatloaf is one of my favorite meals and I love changing it up sometimes. Really loving the jalapeno ketchup here!
ReplyDeleteI love small servings and these are so much fun. I've got meatloaf on my menu next week and I think I'll make these instead of my normal recipe.
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