Basic Meatloaf

This is from Paula Deen's show. I entered it for the nutrition information, but it's a great recipe. I substitute cracker crumbs for the oatmeal and it's a little more binding. The diced tomatoes add a nice texture along with moisture. I mix the ingredients by hand to keep it light and bake this on a broiler pan in a loaf shape. It's not as thick and bakes quicker. The grease also drains away from the meatloaf rather than soaking in it.

• Ready In: 1 hr 10 mins
• Serves: 4
• Yields: 1 loaf

Ingredients

• 1  lb ground beef
• 1 1⁄4 teaspoons salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped sweet onion
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped green bell pepper
• 1  egg, lightly beaten
• 8  ounces diced tomatoes with juice
• 1⁄2 cup quick-cooking oats

• Topping

• 1⁄3 cup ketchup
• 2  tablespoons brown sugar
• 1  tablespoon prepared mustard

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Mix all meatloaf ingredients well and place in a baking dish. Shape into a loaf.
3. Topping:
4. Mix ingredients for topping and spread on loaf. Bake for 1 hour.