Mels Meatloaf Food

THE BEST GLAZED MEATLOAF

Steps:

• For the meatloaf, in a large mixing bowl, add the crushed saltines and milk and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes. Add the parsley, eggs, onion powder, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Mix well.
• Add the ground meat and mix until evenly and well combined. (You can use a food processor for all of the above if you want a an even more well combined spice and meat mixture.)
• For the glaze, combine the ketchup (or BBQ sauce), brown sugar, and vinegar and whisk to combine.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease with cooking spray.
• Pile the meat mixture in the middle of the prepared pan and shape into a loaf about 9 inches long and 4 inches wide (it doesn't have to be perfect; just try to get it an even thickness throughout).
• Spoon the glaze over the meatloaf. Bake for 45-50 minutes until an instant-read thermometer registers 160 degrees F in the center of the meatloaf.
• Loosely tent with foil and let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

THE BEST MEATLOAF

Steps:

• Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 450 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
• Whisk the eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce and 2 teaspoons salt in a large bowl until completely combined. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and lightly golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Add 3 tablespoons of the ketchup and cook until most of the moisture has evaporated and the mixture is thick and brick red colored, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the onions cool slightly. Then add them to the beaten eggs and mix to combine.
• Add the beef to the egg and onion mixture. Break up the meat with a fork or wooden spoon, and then mix to thoroughly combine; you don't want to see any lumps of raw beef. Add the panko and mix to combine. Stir the meat vigorously with a wooden spoon for about 7 seconds; it will become more homogenous and tackier.
• Transfer the meat to the prepared baking sheet and shape into a 9-by-5-inch loaf. Smooth the top and evenly spread the remaining ketchup over top. Bake for 5 minutes, and then reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees. Continue to bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the loaf registers 150 degrees F, 30 to 35 minutes. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 20 minutes before slicing.

15-MINUTE MEATLOAF MELTS

Steps:

• Preheat the broiler.
• Grate the shallot over a large bowl. Add the meat loaf mix, breadcrumbs, half the ketchup, egg, Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt and several grinds of pepper. Use your hands to thoroughly combine the mixture, then divide it into 4 equal balls and shape each into a patty a little less than 1/2 inch thick. Arrange on a baking sheet and broil until the tops of the patties begin to firm up and brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the patties with a metal spatula and continue to broil until cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes more.
• Brush each patty with some of the remaining ketchup and top each with a slice of cheese. Continue to broil until the cheese melts, about 30 seconds more.
• While the patties broil, put the green beans, butter, 1 tablespoon water, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave until hot, 4 to 5 minutes.
• Open the buns and spread the cut sides with mayonnaise. Place a lettuce leaf and patty in each. Serve each sandwich with a small bowl of green beans.

MEL'S MEATLOAF

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Beat egg slightly.
• Add tomato sauce and combine.
• Add soda crackers and mix well.
• Add beef, onions, and bell pepper.
• Add seasonings to desired amounts.
• Combine well, and form into a loaf shape.
• Spray glass meatloaf or casserole dish with non-stick spray.
• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour.