Crowd Pleasing Meatloaf Recipes

CRACKER BARREL MEATLOAF (FOR A LARGE CROWD!)

Steps:

• Place all ingredients in a very large bowl and mix thoroughly.
• Place in 3 loaf pans and press down with spoon.
• Bake at 300°F for 60 minutes.
• Remove from oven and invert each loaf over 8-inch wire rack to drain grease and juice.
• Spread ½ cup of ketchup over each loaf.
• For a delicious variation, use my Banana Ketchup - Recipezaar recipe ID# 24945.
• Cut into portions 5 to 6 ounces each and keep warm.

MEATLOAF FOR A CROWD

Steps:

• 1. Gather and prep ingredients. Preheat oven to 400° F.
• 2. In a large bowl, combine oatmeal, salt and pepper. Set aside.
• 3. Pulse tomatoes in food processor to lightly chop (do not puree!) or use kitchen shears to cut/chop tomatoes in their can. Set aside. (NOTE: You could use a can of diced tomatoes, but the texture will be negatively affected.)
• 4. Place ground beef in the bowl with the oats; add 2 cups of the chopped tomatoes and juice (reserve remainder for topping,) 1/2 cup chopped onion and 3 beaten eggs.
• 5. (Note: At this point, food safe plastic gloves are recommended, but optional. Also, for easier removal from pan, you may wish to place a parchment paper "sling" in each of 2 loaf pans before adding meat mixture.)
• 6. Use hands to combine the ingredients thoroughly, but try to avoid overworking the mixture.
• 7. Divide into 2 equal portions; place in loaf pans, patting mixture down well to remove air pockets.
• 8. Bake at 400° F, on middle rack, for 45 minutes.
• 9. Remove from oven, drain off as much of the liquid as possible.
• 10. Equally pour and spread 1/2 of reserved tomatoes & juice over top of each meatloaf; return to oven and bake for additional 15 to 30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
• 11. Remove from oven and allow to cool for several minutes, or more, before slicing and serving. Cover and refrigerate leftovers. May be frozen raw, then thawed in refrigerator before baking, if using fresh, not frozen ground beef.

CLASSIC MEATLOAF

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment.
• Combine the meatloaf mix, breadcrumbs, parsley, eggs, onion, garlic, 1/4 cup of the ketchup, 1 tablespoon of the Worcestershire, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a large mixing bowl. Using your hands, mix together until well combined.
• Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet and form it into a compact oval-shaped loaf about 9 inches by 5 inches. Bake the meatloaf for 30 minutes.
• Stir the brown sugar together with the remaining 1/4 cup ketchup and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire in a small bowl for the glaze. Brush the top and sides of the meatloaf all over with the glaze. Return to the oven and bake until the glaze starts to caramelize and a thermometer inserted in the center of the meatloaf registers 160 degrees F, about 25 minutes more. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.