Even little Ralphie from A Christmas Story would be satisfied with this meatloaf recipe. Here is a way to get kids to eat their meatloaf. Put a surprise inside! Yep, I said SURPRISE. That's what I do. And it's yummy. Meatloaf is probably my family's favorite dinner. Here we go:
First:You have to use a mix of chop meat, pork and veal for ultimate flavor. Two eggs, 1/2 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of Bread Crumbs, salt, pepper,Italian spices,Mc Cormick's Meatloaf spice packet. McCormick's Meatloaf spice packet is a must. I've tried a lot, but McCormick's is the best, hand's down. (Going a little heavier on the Progresso Italian Bread Crumbs makes your meatloaf taste more meatballish...so that's up to you. In my house, the more Italian it tastes, the better.)
Tip: Use at least two eggs. Using one is not enough. If you want to take out the yolks and just use the whites, that's fine too. But you have to use more than one or you'll choke on the dryness.
Second: Mold and shape into a loaf. Use a pan that catches the grease/fat. Now for the surprise inside. After you mold the meat into a loaf, take your fingers and make a little pocket inside the middle of the meat. Fill the pocket with cheese. Any cheese in ok. At our house, we prefer American, Cheddar or Provolone. The key is to stuff in about three to four slices, not too close to the top or the bottom, so it doesn't all leak out.
Third: Take ketchup and spread over the top. If desired.
When you slice your meatloaf, make a big deal about what's inside. Make it a game, and your kid's will eat it, guaranteed. You can also play around with the surprise. Like, when you use provolone, add a slice of salami, for a different flavor. Or with the cheddar cheese, add a couple of slices of bacon, for your surprise. Use your imagination. Make food fun. Remember, if it's not yum, don't eat some.
