Spinach Meatloaf

The addition of spinach to the meatloaf creates a beautiful marbelized effect.

It's the day after Labor Day.  The kids are back in school, summer is on the wane.  This is my favorite time of year!  This is the time of calm respite before the storm of the holiday season.  It's a time for enjoying the long shadows creeping across your lawn, the cool brisk morning air, the golden colors of the sunset.

After a carefree summer of casual dining, we yearn to sit together at the table at the end of the day, and share something wonderful from the oven.  This meatloaf recipe is easy, comforting and a definite crowd pleaser.

Today's Menu

Spinach Meatloaf

Mashed Potatoes

Carrots and Peas

Tomato and Onion Salad

Spinach Meatloaf      Serves 6

1 lb. Ground Beef Chuck
1/2 lb Ground Pork
1/2 cup Bread Crumbs*  (see note)
1 - 10 oz. package Frozen Spinach (thawed)
1 Large Egg
1/4 c Milk
1/4 c. + 2 T. Ketchup
1 T Dijon Mustard
1 T Barbeque Sauce
1 T Brown Sugar
1 T Worchestershire Sauce
1 T Soy Sauce
Several shakes of Tabasco Sauce
1 t Kosher Salt
1 t Fresh Ground Pepper
9 X 5 Loaf Pan

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  In a large bowl, add ground meats, bread crumbs, egg and milk.  Squeeze out excess water from spinach until it feels almost dry.  Add spinach to bowl.  Add the rest of the ingredients, reserving 1/4 c. of ketchup for later.  Using your hands, gently incorporate ingredients, being careful not to handle the meat mixture too much.  (Handling ground meats too much can compact them and make the end result too dense.)
Gently press mixture into loaf pan and place into the oven for 45 minutes.  After 45 minutes, remove from oven, drain any excess fat & top the meatlof with ketchup.  Return to oven for another 30 minutes.  Remove from oven and let cool for 15 minutes before slicing. 

This meatloaf is even better the next day!

*  And now, a word about bread crumbs:  I try to use bread crumbs that come from a bakery, instead of mass-produced bread crumbs.  Have you ever looked at the ingredient list on a container of bread crumbs?  It's a mile long!  If you are taking the time to create a good wholesome meal, don't spoil it by adding bread crumbs that are full of chemicals.  Go to a good bakery and buy them there.  The ingredient list should read: Flour, water, salt and that is all!