Sure, let’s dive into the recipe for the “Just Great Meatloaf”! This meatloaf is a culinary delight that always garners rave reviews, making it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can serve it as the star of the show alongside other meaty dishes at a dinner party, or you can incorporate it into your meal prep routine for “Once-a-Month” cooking and freeze one loaf for later enjoyment while using the other for delightful sandwiches throughout the week.
🕒 Time Management:
Before we start crafting this delectable dish, let’s organize our time. Here’s a breakdown of the cooking process:
| Prep Time | 1 hour and 20 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour and 35 minutes |
Now, let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups bread crumbs
- 3 tablespoons green pepper, finely chopped
- 1 cup chili sauce, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup red wine (for each loaf)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup chili sauce (for spreading over the loaves)
Instructions:
-
Preheat Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 200 degrees Celsius). -
Mix Meat Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, and cottage cheese. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. -
Add Flavorful Ingredients:
To the meat mixture, add in the chopped onion, eggs, bread crumbs, finely chopped green pepper, and 1/2 cup of chili sauce. These ingredients not only add flavor but also help bind the meatloaf together. -
Season to Perfection:
Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—it’s what elevates the flavors of the meatloaf! -
Prepare Loaf Pans:
Divide the meat mixture evenly into two 9-by-5-inch loaf pans, forming each portion into a loaf shape. -
Infuse with Flavor:
Pour 1/4 cup of red wine over each meatloaf. This step adds a depth of flavor and helps keep the meatloaf moist as it bakes. -
Create Flavorful Coating:
In a small bowl, mix together the tomato sauce and the remaining 1/2 cup of chili sauce. This flavorful mixture will be spread over the meatloaves before baking. -
Coat and Bake:
Spread half of the tomato-chili sauce mixture evenly over each meatloaf, ensuring that they are well coated. -
Bake to Perfection:
Place the meatloaves in the preheated oven and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. During this time, baste the loaves frequently with the pan juices to keep them moist and flavorful. -
Final Touch:
After 30 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 175 degrees Celsius). Continue baking for another 50 to 60 minutes, or until the juices run clear and the meatloaves are cooked through.
Once the meatloaves are perfectly baked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or using it for delicious sandwiches later on, this “Just Great Meatloaf” is sure to become a favorite in your household!
