Not Your Average Meatloaf

One of my favorite go-to meals is meatloaf. I know, meatloaf has a bad reputation. The word "meatloaf" conjures up images of blocks of tasteless meat that is dry and gross. I know, I've made those ones before! There are a few meatloaf recipes out there, though, that have passed my test (meaning my kids will eat it) and this is one of them.

This recipe is from The Sisters Cafe which is a site that I love to check out once in a while. The thing that stuck out to me about this recipe was the layers of flavor! There is so much going on in this meatloaf, but it isn't overwhelming at all. And the tangy ketchup sauce that goes on top is my favorite!

Plus, the best thing about this recipe? It makes TWO!!! You can eat one and freeze the other for another night when you don't want to cook. Just wait for it to cool and wrap it well in foil before you pop it in the freezer. The smart gals at Sister's Cafe also mentioned making it in a foil pan so you don't monopolize your own pan while it's in the freezer. Or you can give the second loaf to a new mom or someone who is sick so they don't have to cook (either give it to them warm or so they can freeze it themselves).

Not Your Average Meatloaf
recipe found on thesisterscafe.com

1.5 lbs. lean ground beef

1.5 lbs. ground turkey

1 large onion, chopped finely

1 (8 oz.) box stuffing mix (any kind)

1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce

2 Tb Worcestershire sauce

1/4 tsp pepper

1 cup fat free or light sour cream

1/2 cup milk

1 packet of dry ranch dressing mix

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp oregano

1 egg, slightly beaten

 

Sauce

Stir together in a bowl:

2/3 cup ketchup

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 1/2 tsp prepared mustard

 

Combine all ingredients in a mixer (Kitchen Aid with paddle attachment works great). Divide into two 9 inch loaf pans. Do not cover. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for one hour. Remove loaves and drain any accumulated grease in pans. Top with sauce and bake an additional 30 minutes. Once it has mostly cooled you can wrap tin foil over the top of one and put it in the freezer for later.