Two Great Simple Country Meatloaf Recipes

Meatloaves are really an American invention and enjoyed by millions as a favorite comfort food. Europeans make pates and various loaves with highly seasoned ground meats. When ground meats became a mainstay in the American kitchen in the 20th century, we developed meatloaves. Meatloaves that are dry are so because they have been overcooked, or because they have too much oatmeal, rice, corn flakes or cereals for binders.

Country-style recipes are well known for their rich flavor and special seasoning. This country-style meatloaf recipe is very juicy and bursting with mouth-watering goodness your whole family will love. Delicious served hot, it is also excellent served cold or used as a filling for sandwiches. Here's what you need:

• 2 pounds extra-lean ground beef
• 1 medium-sized onion, sliced crosswise into rings
• 2 eggs, unbeaten
• 1-1/2 teaspoons mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 pint home-canned tomatoes or 1 (16-ounce) can whole, diced,
• sliced or wedged tomatoes
• 2 bread slices, broken into pieces
• 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 4 bacon slices

Preheat oven to 350-F (175-C). In the bowl of a heavy-duty mixer, combine beef, onion, eggs, mustard powder, chili powder, tomatoes with juice, bread, salt and pepper. Mix until ingredients are evenly blended. Or, mix thoroughly with your hands in a large bowl. Pack mixture into a 9" x 5" loaf pan. Place bacon slices on top of meat mixture. Bake 1-1/2 hours.

Makes 8 to 10 servings.

The original term "meat packer" meant somebody who packed meat in barrels with salt. Salt pork was the standard meat of Americans heading westward. If your looking for a way to make your meatloaf stand above the crowd and ave your family and guests raving, then give this old-time meatloaf recipe a whirl. Here's what you need:

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1/4 pound salt pork, ground
• 3/4 cup fine dry bread crumbs
• 1 cup hot milk
• !egg
• 1 teaspoon crumbled, dried, sage leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Relish

Preheat oven to 350-F (175-C). In a large bowl, blend beef with salt pork; push to side of bowl. On the other side of bowl, mix 1/2 cup bread crumbs with hot milk. Blend meat, crumb mixture, egg, sage, celery salt and pepper. Press into a 9" x 5" loaf pan. Top with remaining bread crumbs. Bake 1 hour. Serve hot with relish of choice.

Makes 8 servings.