Week 39 - Meatloaf smeatloaf, double beatloaf

Sorry, I just can't think about meatloaf and not think about "A Christmas Story." This was one of the things I've been wanting to make all year and to find a recipe I had no choice but to go straight to the source of all things comfort food - Paula Deen.

I was very happy with that choice. For simple ingredients, this really had a good, classic meatloaf-y flavor with fun chunks of vegetables that kept it from being too dense. I even enjoyed the topping which surprised because I am pretty anti-mustard most of the time.

This made a ton so we ended up throwing a little away - there's only so many times you can eat this in one week, even if it is delicious - but it was economical and easy and I'm happy that I finally got around to making it.

OLD-FASHIONED MEATLOAF

Source: PaulaDeen.com

1 lb. ground beef - 1 1/4 tsp. salt - 1/4 tsp. black pepper - 1/2 C. chopped onion - 1/2 C. chopped bell pepper - 1 egg, lightly beaten - 8 oz. canned diced tomatoes (no juice) - 1/2 C. quick cooking oats

Topping: 1/3 C. ketchup - 2 T. brown sugar - 1 T. prepared mustard

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix all meat loaf ingredients well and place in a baking dish. Shape into loaf.

Mix topping ingredients and spread on loaf. Bake 1 hour.