If you are like most, the only memory you have of meatloaf is that hunk of "meat looking" stuff that is slathered in brown gravy. Crackers, mustard, ketchup, ground beef...traditional meatloaf.

I hated it. My grandmother didn't slather it in brown gravy. She made a slurry out of ketchup and mustard and brushed it on the hunk of meat-stuff while it was cooking. Grandmother was an awesome cook...but the meatloaf thing was nasty.

Believe it or not it doesn't have to be a slab of nasty "meat looking stuff." And it does have it's time and place...we all need a quick and easy ground beef recipe.

So if you are stuck with a couple of pounds of ground beef and don't quite know what to do with it AGAIN, try something new and jazzy!

Make "Italian" and "Mexican" meatloaf.

Crazy? Yes. Yummy. YES!!!!!!

So here is my "recipe." Again, I am a toss of this and handful of that...so just add whatever looks good!

A hunk of ground beef...1-2-3 lbs...depends on how many people you are trying to feed!

ALL my recipe measurements are estimates.

For ITALIAN, I add the following: (about 1/2 cupish of each ingredient per pound of ground beef)

Parmesian cheese

Feta cheese

Finely crushed crackers or croutons (any flavor) OR Italian bread crumbs (major yummy!)

Italian dressing

One egg (no matter how much you are making)

For MEXICAN meatloaf (again, about 1/2 cup of each per pound of ground beef)

Salsa or Picante Sauce or a can of Rotel

Cheddar or Mexican Mix shredded cheese

Finely crumbled crackers or croutons or even tortilla chips!

And of course, the egg.

Don't ask me why you have to add an egg...I think it binds all the bread-stuff and meat-stuff together!

Only way to mix it is with your hands! Loaf it up and throw it in a pan. Bake for an hour or so on 350 degrees. As you will notice, I always line my pans with aluminum foil...just makes clean up so much easier!

Since I am not big on "meatloaf gravy" I usually serve this with my "go to" potato casserole.

And remember, add what you like. I have been known to throw a few veggies in the Italian loafs...shredded zucchini, spinach, artichokes...another great way to make a "meal in one!"

Enjoy!

Beckwith's Treasures