Meat Loaf

How funny is the name meat loaf?  Just sounds weird.  Weird or not, it's a favorite here.  One benefit of making meat loaf or little meat loaves is being able to freeze the uncooked meat loaf mixture for quick meals later on in the month.  I love that about meat loaf.

I hadn't thought of making mini meat loaves until recently when Ina Garten made them one Saturday.  Why didn't I think of that?!  Mini loaves cook much faster and don't have a pool of grease in the bottom of the loaf pan.  It makes it easier for us to portion out our meals too, needing leftovers for work meals.  My mom's recipe is the base for this meat loaf.  This recipe makes about 10 little loaves or two large loaves.  Use a combination of whatever meat you like.  We haven't jumped on the turkey bandwagon and like beef and sausage.  Giving your loaves more air space while baking helps them bake faster.  (large sheet pan vs. casserole dish) 

Meat Loaf
saute until soft, then set aside to cool slightly~
1 medium onion, chopped
2 large cloves garlic, chopped
1-2 Tbs butter

Add to a large bowl~
1 cup 2% or whole milk
1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (I use my own concoction here but any cracker or breadcrumb will do) allow to soak for a bit
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1/2 cup ketchup
2 Tbs dried parsley
2 Tbs Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp thyme

stir in onion, garlic and butter

1 pound lean ground beef
1 pkg (1.25 pounds) Johnsonville Brats~uncooked, casings removed (or ANY combination of meat to equal about 2 pounds)

Mix with hands.  Using a 1/2 cup measure, divide into 10 loaves (or two loaf pans).  Freeze in loaf or mini loaves if desired at this point.  Heat skillet over medium heat with a Tbs of oil and cook mini loaves for 3 minutes on each side.  Place on greased or lined baking sheet.  Top generously with sauce.

Meat Loaf Sauce
This isn't something I measure, I don't like dishes, so here's a guess...
1 cup ketchup
1 Tbs dijon mustard
3-4 Tbs brown sugar
1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
1 Tbs Worcestershire

Preheat oven to 425 degrees (for mini loaves) and bake 20 minutes or until cooked through.  Regular loaf size, cook at 350 degrees for about an hour or so, until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.  Add sauce on top during the last 20 minutes of baking.
*this sauce amount is good for half of this recipe