Meatloaf with a twist…

With the economy still tight, we are all trying to finds ways to make ends meet and bring a little bit of panache to jazz up the dinner menu. What better idea, than an old family classic like meatloaf to satisfy the pocket book and serve the comfort of a homemade meal. Here is Paula Deen’s meatloaf recipe with a twist that will get them to the table. I serve it with roasted potato strips and a garden fresh salad; you’ll have ‘em asking for more.



Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
"A hamburger lover’s meatloaf"

Ingredients:
1 pound ground chuck
10 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 (8-ounce) package sharp Cheddar, grated
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
¼ cup bread crumbs, toasted
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
1 (3-ounce) can French fried onions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck and next 8 ingredients, mixing well.

In a small bowl, combine the ketchup and mustard. Stir ¼ cup ketchup mixture into meat mixture, reserving remaining ketchup mixture.

Press meat mixture into a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan, or shape into a loaf and place on a rack in a broiler pan. Spread remaining ketchup mixture over loaf. Bake 40 minutes. Top with French fried onions; bake another 10 to 15 minutes, or until meat is no longer pink.

Serves 4 to 6