Meatloaf, smeatloaf, double-beatloaf.

I love meatloaf. I find it comforting. Here is one of my takes on it…

J.J.’s Meatloaf

• 1 package meatloaf mix *
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 package of onion mushroom soup mix or plain onion soup mix
• 2 eggs
• 1 – 1 ½ cups bread crumbs (or if you want something really good use one cup Cheezit crumbs)
• ¼ cup onion diced
• ¼ cup Ketchup – want a different taste? Use A1 sauce instead. If you go this route, omit salt, pepper, and garlic.
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon low sodium season salt
• fresh ground pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 200. Mix all ingredients but bread crumbs. Mix breadcrumbs until mixture becomes a consistency you desire. Form into loaf shape on pan or use bread pan. I like to line a bread pan with parchment paper for easy clean up and removal. Bake low and slow on 200 for 2.5 hours. After 2.5 hours…turn oven up to 350 for ½ hour…Top meatloaf with ketchup at this time if desired. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

I have been dying for a meatball sub lately. I decided to kill two birds with one stone when I made the meatloaf. Tasty stuff and you control the fat.

J.J.’s Meatballs

• 1 package meatloaf mix *
•  1 pound lean ground beef
•  1 package of onion mushroom soup mix or plain onion soup mix
•  2 eggs
•  1 – 1 ½ cups bread crumbs (or if you want something really good use one cup Cheezit crumbs)
•  ¼ cup onion diced
•  ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
•  2 teaspoons minced garlic
•  ½ teaspoon low sodium season salt
•  Fresh ground pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients but bread crumbs. Mix breadcrumbs until mixture becomes a consistency you desire. Form into balls and pan fry or bake.

J.J.’s Meatball Sub

• 3 – 4 J.J.’s Meatballs warm
•  1 mini loaf Italian bread or ¼ loaf garlic bread – warm if you desire
•  2 slices provolone cheese
•  Sautéed mushrooms (optional)
•  Diced Onion (optional sautéed or raw)
•  Your favorite marinara/spaghetti sauce -warm

Layer your ingredients on bread. Use as much or as little sauce as you like. Run under broiler till cheese is gooey…eat and enjoy!

*Meatloaf Mix

• 1 pound ground beef 
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/2 pound ground veal

Low Fat Meatloaf Mix

• 1 pound ground chicken
•  1 pound ground turkey
•  ½ pound lean ground beef