Not My Mommas Meatloaf Food

MEDITERRANEAN-STYLE MEATLOAF

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350°. Add all ingredients for the meatloaf to a large mixing bowl (with the exception of the coatings). I usually add 2 large pinches of salt and several grinds of black pepper, but you can adjust that to your own taste. Work the ingredients through the meat mixture just enough to incorporate (it doesn't matter if ingredients aren't distributed uniformly. Check the consistency of your mixture: you want to be able to form it into a loaf without having it fall apart, but you don't want it to be too dry. If the mixture is too wet and falling apart, add an additional 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs. If the mixture is too dry, add another tbsp. of tomato sauce (more if needed).
• Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Set a baking rack onto the foil and coat generously with cooking spray. Form the meat mixture into a loaf, making sure that it's roughly the same thickness throughout for even cooking. Rub on the tomato sauce and sprinkle with Romano cheese. Sprinkle lightly with salt and fresh-ground pepper.
• Tent some aluminum foil over the meatloaf: I sometimes lay 2 pieces of foil over each other and fold one side of the long ends over several times. This is the "spine" of the tent. The foil doesn't need to cover the meatloaf tightly: just tuck the open ends down toward the baking rack. Place the meatloaf in the oven.
• Meanwhile, make the sauce. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the peppers, onions, and garlic. Sauté until soft and translucent, 6-8 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, stir to combine. Sprinkle with the vinegar and sugar or Splenda; stir. Bring almost to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching. Simmer for 45 minutes.
• Check the meatloaf after an hour with an instant-read thermometer: the meatloaf needs to be 160° throughout. Remove the foil. At this point, you can spoon some of the sauce on top of the meat loaf if you'd like. Continue baking as needed.
• Remove the meatloaf from the oven and rest for 10 minutes. Slice thickly and serve with the sauce. Enjoy!

MOM'S MEATLOAF

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a roasting pan with the butter. In a mixing bowl, add beef, pork, onions, peppers, garlic, eggs, cream, and bread crumbs. Blend thoroughly. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place on the prepared pan. Pour the stock over the top and place in the oven. Place in the oven and bake for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, basting occasionally. Remove the pan from the oven. Using a long spatula, remove the meat loaf from the pan. Place the roasting pan on the stove, over high heat. In a small bowl, whisk the flour with 2 tablespoons water. Whisk the slurry into the gravy. Bring the liquid to a boil and cook for few minutes, stirring constantly. Season the gravy with salt and pepper. Slice the meatloaf in to 8 pieces. Serve two slices of meat loaf per person with a spoonful of gravy.

NOT YOUR MAMA'S MEATLOAF - LOW CARB & BEEFED UP

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• In small bowl, combine tomato sauce topping ingredients and set aside.
• Add water to sauce to thin, as needed.
• In large bowl, combine beef, eggs, cheese, vegetables, herbs & seasonings.
• Place meat mixture on a wax paper-lined jellyroll pan or counter.
• Form meat into a 10x8-inch flat rectangle.
• Place prosciutto slices on the meatloaf mixture.
• Place the provolone slices on top.
• Starting with the short side, roll the meatloaf up (may need to use the wax paper to help).
• Seal ends and place, seam side down, into a loaf pan.
• Spread tomato sauce topping on the meatloaf, completely covering the top.
• Bake for 75 minutes (1 hour 15 minutes).
• Drain fat and let rest 10 minutes before serving.