Pump You Up Mighty Meatloaf

By Susan Arruda

Kick It Up with the Bangin’ BBQ Sauce!

YIELD: 8 Servings

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ Lbs. extra lean ground beef
½ cup tomato sauce (I used our homemade recipe which is featured in our videos area)
1/3 cup tomato juice (I used the juice from a can of stewed tomatoes)
2 eggs
½ cup whole wheat bread crumbs
(Scrutinize labels as most store bought bread crumbs are loaded with trans fats. Make your own by drying your own whole wheat bread or bagels in a low temp oven and then grinding it in a food processor. Italian style Misura brand dry toast also makes for a good option for grinding.)
1-2 green onion stalks, chopped
2 tsp. prepared mustard
½ tsp. garlic powder
½ tsp. onion powder
1/8 tsp. paprika
½ tsp. each salt and pepper
OPTIONAL: 2 hard boiled eggs (pre-boiled and peeled)

BANGIN’ BBQ SAUCE

½ cup tomato paste
1 tsp prepared mustard
2 tsp. blackstrap molasses
2 tsp. brown sugar
1 tbsp. honey
2 tbsp. ketchup or tomato sauce or a combination of both
¼ tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/8 onion powder
1/8 tsp. salt
 

PREPARATION

In a large bowl, combine tomato sauce & juice, mustard, eggs, breadcrumbs, and spices. Mix until thoroughly blended.

Add ground beef and mix gently, but thoroughly to combine.

Line a 9 X 5 inch meat loaf pan (the built in tray allows for fat to drain and for easy pull-out of  the meat loaf when cooked.

Bury the two hard boiled eggs (if using) evenly in the loaf pan of meat and cover with meat mixture.

In a separate bowl, combine the topping ingredients (if using) and mix together well.  Spread the topping over the meat loaf.

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

Bake at 400oF for approximately 35-45 minutes until done.

Drain off fat and/or lift the inside meat loaf tray to remove the loaf from the pan.

Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.