Meatloaf or Meatballs

Meatloaf- Preheat: 350°F Prep: 15 min Cook: 55 min
Meatballs- Preheat: 350°F Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min each side
(or) Prep: 20 min Fry: medium heat
Category: Main-dish/Dinner/European
Refrigerate up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months

Ingredients:

1. 1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef, turkey or pork
2. 1 egg or 1/4 c mayonnaise
3. 3/4 c quick oats or bread crumbs soaked in milk or red wine
   
4. 3/4 c chopped vegetables: onion (or 1 tsp onion powder), green peppers, celery, carrots, or mushrooms
   
5. 3/4 c tomato sauce or ketchup, reserve 1/4 c for topping meatloaf
6. 1 Tbs Worcestershire, soy or barbecue sauce
   
7. 2 cloves or Tbs minced garlic
8. 1/4 tsp pepper

Optional Ingredients:

1. 1/2 tsp salt
2. 2 Tbs prepared (deli) mustard
3. 1/3 c chopped herbs: cilantro or parsley
   
4. 3/4 c shredded cheese
5. 3 hard-boiled eggs rolled into center of the loaf
6. 1 c small sausages or sausage slices rolled into the center of loaf
7. Strips of bacon placed on top

Directions:

1. Combine ingredients in a large bowl, mix thoroughly but don't over mix.
2. For Meatloaf place mix in a loaf pan or mold into an 8x4" loaf shape on a broiler pan. Coat top of meatloaf with reserved tomato sauce. Bake until center is no longer pink & the juices run clear. Let cool 5 min, slice & serve.
3. For Meatballs roll spoonfuls of mix into balls. Cook in a greased skillet on the stove top or a greased baking dish in the oven. Brown meatballs by rolling over to cook thoroughly. Drain grease & serve as desired.