My coveted meatloaf recipe

I've been asked for years to share my meatloaf recipe.

For years, I've declined to share any part of it.

I'm finally going to share with you the basic recipe. I will tell you that this recipe will NOT taste exactly like mine, because I'm not including the secret twist that makes my meatloaf mine. But, this recipe is still VERY very good.

1½ lbs lean ground beef (leaner the better)
½ c ketchup
1/3 c tomato juice
½ tsp each salt and black pepper
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (or a couple dashes of cayenne pepper)
2 eggs, beaten
¾ c fresh bread crumbs (crushed croutons work best here)
¼ c finely diced onions
2 tsp yellow mustard

Topping:
¼ c ketchup
½ tsp yellow mustard
2 tsp brown sugar


1) In large bowl, combine ketchup, tomato juice, salt, peppers, eggs, bread crumbs, onions and mustard. Mix until thoroughly blended.

2) Add ground beef. I mix with my hands so I can make sure all the chunks of meat are broken down and mixed thoroughly.

3) Line a 9x5" loaf pan with foil and press in the meat mixture.

4) In a separate bowl, combine the topping ingredients, mixing well. Spread topping over meatloaf.

5) Bake at 400° for 35-45 mins or until done.

6) Drain off fat. Rest meatloaf for 5 minutes before serving.

**This recipe can also be made in the microwave and I've found works almost better than in the oven.

1) In large bowl, combine ketchup, tomato juice, salt, peppers, eggs, bread crumbs, onions and mustard. Mix until thoroughly blended.

2) Add ground beef. I mix with my hands so I can make sure all the chunks of meat are broken down and mixed thoroughly.


3) On a microwave safe dish, form meat mixture into a 9" ring. Cover with waxed paper.

4) Microwave at 30% power for 15 minutes. Pour off any juices.

5) Repeat step 3 twice more for a total of 45 minutes cook time.

6) Cover top of meatloaf with sauce and microwave uncovered at 100% power for 5 mins.

7) There shouldn't be much, if any, fat to drain off, but if there is, do that. Rest meatloaf for 5 minutes before serving.