All You Need Is LOVE…Or Mama’s Meatloaf
Today is a BIG day.
BIG!
HUGE!
I’m posting my *FIRST* MEAT-centered recipe here on C it Nutritionally. Just because I don’t eat meat, doesn’t mean I don’t know how to cook it…so don’t judge this recipe before trying it…it’s been tasted & approved by carnivores (plus, I grew up eating this recipe!).
Perfect for Valentines Day when molded into a shape of a heart or for any easy family dinner with my ketchup-roasted potatoes, sauteed spinach or string beans, and a salad of course!
(Step-by-step instructions with photos below)
- 1 lb lean ground sirloin (or use half ground pork and half ground sirloin)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup seasoned breadcrumbs (whole wheat preferred)
- 1 tbsp barbecue sauce (your favorite variety)
- Dash hot sauce (optional)
- 1 clove minced garlic or 1 tsp garlic powder
- Pinch black pepper
- Dash salt (can be removed if watching salt intake)
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Preheat oven to 350ºF.
- Combine all ingredients (except ketchup & balsamic) in a large bowl and gently mix with clean hands (squeezing so air doesn’t come out).
- Shape into a large heart in a lasagna pan (to avoid grease spilling off a cookie tray). Alternatively, you can form individual sized meatloaves so everyone has their own heart. serving.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- While meatloaf is baking for the initial 30 minutes, combine ketchup with balsamic vinegar in a small bowl or ramekin.
- Remove from oven after 30 minutes. Top meatloaf with ketchup and balsamic mixture in an even layer. Continue baking for another 30 minutes or until done (internal temperature should reach 160F).
P.S. Leftovers make a great sandwich!
Photo Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350ºF.
2. Combine all ingredients (except ketchup & balsamic) in a large bowl and gently mix with clean hands (squeezing so air doesn’t come out).
3. Shape into a large heart in a lasagna pan (to avoid grease spilling off a cookie tray). Alternatively, you can form individual sized meatloaves so everyone has their own heart-serving.
4. Bake for 30 minutes. While meatloaf is baking for the initial 30 minutes, combine ketchup with balsamic vinegar in a small bowl or ramekin.
5. Remove meatloaf from oven after 30 minutes. Top meatloaf with ketchup and balsamic mixture in an even layer. Continue baking for another 30 minutes or until done (internal temperature should reach ~160ºF once sitting after removed from oven).
Considering meat & potatoes are as much a duo as Bert & Ernie, PB & J, and oreos and milk, here’s my favorite marinated potato recipe! 
And don’t forget dessert! Chocolate covered strawberries are a favorite of mine! 😉
So what are you cookin’ for your sweetie this Valentines Day???