Mrs. Cobb’s Meatloaf Recipe
π Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
π₯ Recipe Category: Meat
π Keywords: Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours, Easy
π Description: This delightful meatloaf recipe hails from The Cat Who cookbook, inspired by the beloved mystery series by Lilian Jackson Braun. It’s the favored meatloaf of Jim Qwilleran, the protagonist, who often raves about it in the series.
π Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 2 eggs
- 3 onions
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon sage
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 2/3 pound ground beef
π Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare cranberry mixture: Stir brown sugar and cranberry sauce together until smooth.
- Prepare loaf pan: Place the cranberry mixture in the bottom of a 9″ x 5″ loaf pan.
- Prepare meatloaf mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine eggs, onions (finely chopped), milk, sage, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Add bread crumbs: Stir in the bread crumbs until well combined.
- Incorporate ground beef: Add the ground beef to the mixture and thoroughly combine.
- Shape the loaf: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it on top of the cranberry mixture in the loaf pan.
- Flatten the top: Flatten the top of the meatloaf so that it will sit evenly when inverted.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and browned on top.
- Rest and serve: Allow the meatloaf to stand for 10 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a serving plate. This step helps the meatloaf retain its shape and makes it easier to slice.
π½οΈ Serving Suggestions:
- Serve Mrs. Cobb’s Meatloaf with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables, for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- This meatloaf also pairs well with a tangy salad or some roasted root vegetables for a balanced dinner.
- Leftovers can be enjoyed cold in sandwiches or reheated for a quick and tasty meal later on.
π Tips and Notes:
- For added flavor, consider mixing ground pork or turkey with the beef for a variation on this classic recipe.
- Make sure to finely chop the onions to ensure they blend seamlessly into the meatloaf mixture.
- If you prefer a sweeter meatloaf, you can increase the amount of brown sugar or cranberry sauce in the bottom of the pan.
- Be sure to allow the meatloaf to rest before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender loaf.
- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.
This recipe for Mrs. Cobb’s Meatloaf is a timeless classic that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its savory-sweet flavor and simple preparation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household, just like it is in the world of Jim Qwilleran and The Cat Who series. Enjoy!
