This recipe makes meat loaves that come out light, nicely seasoned, and with a nice texture. The stuffing mix adds all the seasoning you need. They also freeze well.
Mini-Meat Loaves
Ingredients
2 lbs ground beef
1 pkg Stove Top stuffing cornbread, pork, or chicken) (Do not cook)
1 can diced tomatoes (or stewed tomatoes) 11 1/2 oz. (Do not drain)
2 slightly beaten eggs
1 cup spaghetti sauce (1/2 cup for meat loaf, reserve other 1/2 cup for topping)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (1 cup for meat loaf, reserve other 1/2 cup for topping)
1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Set aside sauce and cheese for toppings.
2) In a LARGE bowl, break 2 eggs and beat slightly. Add 1 cup cheese, 1/2 cup of sauce, stuffing mix, and can of tomatoes with liquid. Mix well.
3) Add the ground beef and mix well.
4) Select size of pan and loaves fro the cooking directions below. Spray pan(s) with non-stick spray. Form loaves on the pan.
5) Cook according to loaf size. Test at the end of cooking to be sure the meat is cooked thoroughly or internal temperature is 160 degrees.
* Mini-loaf pan (8 compartments, 2 1/2 x 3 1/2) 25 minutes, add toppings, cook another 5 minutes (you can find these pans online or around the holidays for making mini-fruitcakes)
* 9 X 13 pan 1 loaf, cook 50 minutes, add toppings, cook another 10 minutes
* 9 x 13 pan 4 loaves, form loaves 5" x 3 1/2" each in the pan. Cook 40 minutes, add toppings, cook another 5 minutes.
* 9 x 13 pan 12 mini-loaves, Mound meat mixture about 12' x 7" Use a spatula to cut the loaf lengthwise, then into 6 sections on each side. Carefully move the individual loaves apart so they aren't touching. Cook 15 minutes, add toppings, cook another 5 minutes.
To freeze, wrap the individual loaves in plastic wrap, then place several in a large freezer bag. To reheat mini-loaves, defrost in refrigerator 8 hours or microwave 4 minutes. Heat in microwave 1 1/2 to 2 minutes.
Mashed Potatoes. Make mashed potatoes or buy the pre-mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes in the cooler section of your grocery store (usually near cold meat). Spoon potatoes into a snack size plastic container (9.5 oz size works well). Freeze. Can be defrosted just like the meat loaf above.
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