Cottage Meat Loaf

 This is our favorite meatloaf recipe!  I got it years ago in one of those Great American recipe mailers.  

It gets rave reviews from family and visitors alike.  

For 5 to 6 Servings:

1 1/2 lbs lean groud beef

1/2 c. tomato ketchup

1/3 c tomato juice

1/2 tsp salt and pepper

1/8 tsp red pepper 

2 eggs beaten

3/4 c. fresh bread crumbs

1/4 c finely chopped onions

2 tsp prepared mustard

Topping 

1/4 c tomato ketchup

1/2 tsp prepared mustard

2 tsp brown sugar

In a large bowl, combine ketchup, tomato juice, salt, black and red pepper, eggs, breadcrumbs, onions, and mustard.  Mix until thoroughly blended.

Add ground beef. Mix gently but thoroughly.

Line a 9 X 5-inch loaf pan with foil.  (Poke holes in it to help drain the fat off)

Press in the beef mixture.

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

Bake at 400 for 35-45 minutes or until done.

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

(I use a larger pan because my guys love the topping. Bigger pan more coverage.)