Diner Meat Loaf

 

1

lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef

1

clove garlic or 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

1

small onion

2

slices bread with crust

1/4

cup milk

2

teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1

teaspoon chopped fresh or 1/4 teaspoon dried sage leaves

1/4

teaspoon salt

1/4

teaspoon ground mustard

1/8

teaspoon pepper

1

large egg

1/3

cup ketchup, chili sauce or barbecue sauce

• 1 Heat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, break up the beef into small pieces, using a fork or spoon.
• 2 Peel and finely chop the garlic. Peel the onion, and chop enough of the onion into small pieces to measure 3 tablespoons. Wrap remaining piece of onion, and refrigerate for another use. Add the garlic and onion to the beef.
• 3 Tear the bread into small pieces and add to beef mixture.
• 4 Add the milk, Worcestershire sauce, sage, salt, mustard, pepper and egg to the beef mixture. Mix with a fork, large spoon or your hands until the ingredients are well mixed.
• 5 Place the beef mixture in an ungreased baking pan. Shape the mixture into an 8x4-inch loaf in the pan, then spread the ketchup over the top.
• 6 Bake uncovered 50 to 60 minutes until meat and juices are no longer pink or until a meat thermometer inserted in the center of the loaf reads 160°F and center of loaf is no longer pink*. Let the loaf stand 5 minutes so it will be easier to remove from the pan. Remove loaf from pan and cut into slices.