Kid Friendly Meatloaf

Submitted by Jackie Babs

"As a kid, I loved my Grandma's meatloaf but quickly learned that not all meatloaf is created the same - others were dry, musty smelling, or had large pieces of things I didn't like (onions or peppers for instance). I started with my Grandma's recipe and tweaked it with my kids giving reviews. I learned that musty smell was from too much sage so be careful with that. The real secrets here though are the shape and size - cake shaped rather than loaf shaped allows the center to cook without overcooking or drying the outer area; and, mincing the onions so they are not so visible after cooking (a good trick for all recipes when dealing with kids). Feel free to add your own spicing touches - so long as you keep the shape and the ketchup glaze this recipe is guaranteed to stay moist and never need a sauce!"

 

• Ready In: 1hr 30mins
• Ingredients: 12
• Serves: 8

ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 lbs ground beef
• 1 1⁄2 cups crushed saltines
• 1 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1⁄2 cup fresh minced onion
• 1 tablespoon A.1. Original Sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground sage (NO MORE THAN THAT)
• 1⁄8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup ketchup

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 Set aside 2/3 cup of the ketchup Place remaining ingredients in large mixing bowl, adding the milk last, and mix/knead with hands until mixture appears uniform.
2. Do NOT use a loafpan or shape into bread loaf.
3. Place meatloaf in an ungreased 9 x 9in.
4. square cake pan and shape into 8 x 8in.
5. square (you should have 1in. between meat and pan on all sides).
6. Spread remaining 2/3 cup ketchup over top of meatloaf.
7. Bake UNCOVERED for 65-75 mins.

Reviews

[*Huntergirl*]

I was looking for something different to feed the kids. I figured meatballs would go over better than meatloaf so made meatballs decreasing the milk by 1/2 cup and used worchesterchire in place of the A-1. I served them with green beans , wild rice and a little ketchup on the side and they loved them. Thanks :)

 

[kwest82804]

I have to tell you that I have literally made over 10 different meatloaf recipies trying to find one that my kids and husband like and all I have to say is THANK YOU!!! This is for sure a keeper. My son actually asked for seconds on the meatloaf instead of the mashed potatoes!! I'm so happy I found this recipe that the whole family likes!!

 

[Melanie J.]

Delicious! I tweaked it by adding dry onion soup mix instead of the minced onions and 1 clove fresh garlic instead of garlic salt. This is the best meatloaf I’ve ever had!

 

[Nadine N.]

My son is as picky as they come, my husband hates meatloaf, I love it. So, I made this recipe hoping the kid friendly-Ness of it would suffice everyone. It did indeed! We ate all of it! No left overs, in a house of only three, no leftovers?! Amazing!

 

[GreenChef]

This was super delicious, very moist and flavorful yet still very kid friendly. My two little ones, 1 and 3, even approved and they are extremely picky. Even my meatloaf "connoisseur" husband liked this one. Will be making it again. Thanks!