Meat loaf is one of those "catch-all" meals that you can throw in whatever you like or season with whatever you like.It's great for left-overs too!
2 lbs. lean ground beef (85%-15% or leaner)
2 beaten eggs
1-1/2 cups bread crumbs
1 Tbl. dried onion
1/2 cup finely chopped carrot
1 can mushrooms, with liquid
2 tsp. dried parsley
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and squish together with hands to mix. If it is too wet, add more bread crumbs (or even quick oats!). If it's too dry, add a little milk or water.
Pat into a greased casserole dish (7.5" X 10.5" or similar size)
Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for about 45 min. Check for doneness in center. Pour off most of fat around meat. For last 15 min or so, cover top with desired amount BBQ sauce or ketchup mixed with brown sugar so it begins to bake into loaf. Serve with more sauce.
Our favorite sauce:
1 cup bottled BBQ Sauce (we like Sweet Baby Ray's)
1 8-oz can tomato sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp. chili powder
dash of Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. vinegar
