Friday, April 22, 2011

"Egg-cellent" Meatloaf

Yum
It's Easter time and we have a lot of eggs for coloring them with the kids.  I also have a lot of items in the fridge I wanted to just use up like cornbread (from another recipe) and fresh zucchini that I bought way too much of at the store. So what recipe is more comforting and forgiving than meatloaf?  Yes, this Egg-cellent meatloaf not only "wowed" my kids by the cool "egg" surprise, but it used up my fridge items so I thought I had to share the method with you.

 
The first step is to boil about 5-6 eggs until they are hard boiled.  Then after they have cooled down, peel them and set them aside until later.







The next step is up to you when it comes to the "binding" ingredients.  You can use:  1 pkg of Stove-top
stuffing that you have moistened with 1 cup of hot water or 2 cups of cornbread you have moistened with milk, a few slices of bread (moistened) or cereal such as cornflakes or rice crispies, etc...I also flavored it with:
1 Tbs of paprika
1 Tbs of Dijon mustard
2 Tbs of grill seasoning (consists of salt, pepper, garlic and other spices)
1 Tbs of onion powder
1 Tbs of garlic powder
1 tsp of Italian seasoning
1 egg 
1 cup of grated fresh zucchini

Mix all ingredients well before adding the meat.

Now add two pounds of your favorite ground meat. I used ground chicken.  You can use turkey, beef or a combination of meats.






Mix all ingredients well.







Now for the fun part, time to form the loaf.  If you free form the loaf like I did, I recommend that you cover your baking sheet with some foil and giving it a quick spray of cooking oil for easier clean-up.  Then use 2/3 of the meat loaf mixture and form the bottom of the loaf with a slight well in the middle. Then place your row of eggs along the meatloaf.





Top it off with the remaining 1/3 of the meatloaf mixture and finish forming the loaf.  Bake at 375 degrees for 40 minutes initially.

Note:  If you decide to use a loaf pan or cake pan to cook your meatloaf, spray with some cooking spray or oil  so for easier clean up.



 Take it out of the oven at the 40 minute mark and top with a glaze.  You can use straight ketchup, bbq sauce or sweet chili sauce like I did here.  You can also mixed the chili sauce and ketchup because it is tasty together.  Then put it back in the oven to bake for another 15 minutes to continue baking.

Note:  Every oven varies a bit so the cooking time could vary too. If you have a meat thermometer have the internal temp of the middle of the loaf reach 155 degrees.

Note:  The glaze is optional, but it does give an added flavor and beautiful finish to your meatloaf.


 Serves 6-8 people Slice and enjoy with mash potatoes, vegetables etc...  Enjoy.

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