My Favorite Meatloaf Recipe

I have to admit before I start that I’m not a huge fan of meatloaf.  But the Music Man is so I make it from time to time.  But I do have my favorite meatloaf recipe and a great meatloaf story to share.

Right after we were married I would make meatloaf just like my mom showed me.  Every time, Glenn would say, “That’s good but not quite like my mom’s.”  (Which, BTW men, I wouldn’t recommend saying to your new wife.)  Finally I gave up and asked for her recipe.  It was EXACTLY like my mom’s EXCEPT she crumbled up saltine crackers on top.  So next time, without saying anything, I crumbled crackers on top of my meatloaf.

Wanna guess what he said?  “This is just like Mom’s!”

lol… So now I always put crumbled crackers on top.

It had been quitea while since I’d made meatloaf when I sold at Treasure Island Flea for the fist time in March.  our neighbor was selling Charlie Finishing Sauce from Copper Kitchen.  Charlie is her dad and he came up with this sweet sauce and they use it a lot more ways than just BBQ.  She said her favorite was meatloaf and shared her recipe to me.  I added crumbled crackers and tweaked it a little, served it to my family, and they loved it!  It was probably the best meatloaf I’ve ever had.

• 2 lbs. ground beef (85/15)
• 3/4 cup Finishing Sauce or BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 pieces of bread, toasted and crumbled fine
• 2 eggs
• crackers ( to crumble on top)

Mix beef, 1/2 cup sauce, cheese, bread, and eggs together. Do not overmix. Shape into one large or several small loaf shapes and place on greased baking dish.  Pour 1/4 cup sauce over the top and bake at 375 for 45 minutes.

After looking at this and other pictures of meatloaf online I’ve decided it’s probably one of the ugliest foods there is.  lol.. And we really did eat some veggies with this, they just didn’t get in the picture.

Charlie’s Finishing Sauce can be found in a few local stores, shows, and online.  Last time I made meatloaf I had run out and just used our regular BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s).  It was good but not quite as good as with Charlie’s!  I’m still sorting through my recipes but please follow my Pinterest Food board if you’d like to see more.

Linking to: Foodie Friday @ Rattlebridge Farm, Sweet and Savoury Sunday @ Baking in Pyjamas, Pinterest Foodie Party