Recipe: Mom's Marvelous Meatloaf

Meatloaf may be the ultimate cold-weather comfort food, the all-American family supper staple and the perfect casual cuisine for the home table. Perhaps every family (particularly in the United States) has its own creative concoction for making meatloaf. And each clan may reserve a secret recipe for this kin-folk favorite.

Ultimately, meatloaf is a kid's choice, a crowd-pleaser and a perennial pick for family dining. Meatloaf is neither fancy, nor fussy, but folks certainly come back for more.

Television commentator and humorist Andy Rooney said this about his favorite foods (which probably include meatloaf):

"I don't like food that's too carefully arranged;
it makes me think
that the chef is spending too much time
arranging and not enough time cooking.
If I wanted a picture I'd buy a painting."

Here's our own family recipe for meatloaf - sure and simple. (Of course, in recent years, we have replaced some of the traditional ingredients with low-fat alternatives.)

Mom's Marvelous Meatloaf Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds of lean ground beef (75% to 80% selections are ideal.)
1 - 12-ounce can or bottle of V-8 Vegetable Juice
3/4 cup of plain uncooked oatmeal
1 egg (beaten)
1/4 cup of chopped onion (fresh or dried)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Ketchup (for topping)

Mom's Marvelous Meatloaf Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F). Reduce heat to 325 degrees (F), if you plan to use a glass baking dish.

Combine all Mom's Marvelous Meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl, and mix them well with a sturdy wooden spoon.

Press the Mom's Marvelous Meatloaf mixture into an ungreased loaf pan (9" x 5").

Mom's Marvelous Meatloaf with ketchup (straight from the bottle). Place the loaf pan on top of a flat baking sheet, and bake Mom's Marvelous Meatloaf for one hour in preheated oven.

Let Mom's Marvelous Meatloaf stand for at least five minutes before serving.

Mom's Marvelous Meatloaf is tasty served hot, but it also makes super meatloaf leftovers and meatloaf sandwiches.

Variations on Mom's Marvelous Meatloaf:

Countless variations are available for Mom's Marvelous Meatloaf.

Mushroom lovers may substitute a 10 1/2-ounce can of condensed mushroom soup for the V-8 Vegetable juice.

Bacon fans may add several strips of bacon to the top of Mom's Marvelous Meatloaf before baking.

Those seeking a spicier dish may choose to use 1 1/2 cups of salsa (mild, medium or hot) in place of the V-8.

Cheese lovers might top Mom's Marvelous Meatloaf with shredded cheddar, mozzarella or provolone cheese before baking.

The possibilities for Mom's Marvelous Meatloaf are as endless as the cook's own imagination.

Serving Mom's Marvelous Meatloaf:

Mom's Marvelous Meatloaf makes a delicious meal, accompanied by mashed potatoes, baked potatoes or sweet potatoes. Why not add a healthy spinach and strawberry salad, simple squash and fresh-baked corn bread or blueberry muffins on the side to round out the meal?