All-American Meat Loaf Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 large green pepper, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup 2% milk
• 6 slices bread, cubed
• 1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2-1/4 teaspoons dried rosemary, crushed
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
  
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1-1/2 cups ketchup
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons cider vinegar

Directions

• Saute green pepper and onion in oil in a large skillet until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Transfer to a large bowl; cool to room temperature.
• Add the eggs, milk, bread, cheese, rosemary, salt and pepper. Crumble beef and pork over mixture and mix well.
• Pat into two greased 9-in. x 5-in. loaf pans. Combine ketchup, brown sugar and vinegar in a small bowl. Spread over tops. Cover and freeze one meat loaf for up to 3 months.
• Bake the remaining loaf, uncovered, at 350° for 50-55 minutes until no pink remains and a thermometer reads 160°. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing.
• To use frozen meat loaf: Bake frozen meat loaf as directed, increasing time to 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours. Yield: 2 loaves (8 servings each).