Meatloaf

This is my easy and delicious home made meatloaf recipe.  If you've never had it before it's a bit like a big baked hamburger. A classic American comfort food dish.  We did not have this growing up in England, and so I did a bit of research and found that a common complaint was that it can be dry.  I use shredded zucchini and a bit of cheese to keep it juicy.  I cooked this meal with a bunch of amazing volunteers for 70 homeless Veterans on Veterans Day.  We teamed up with The People Concern who do incredible work in the community. Click here to find out more and donate https://www.opcc.net/?nd=thepeopleconcern

This was the wonderful group of Santa Monica NOW volunteers who helped me cook at the OPCC center. 

Serves  6
Ingredients:

• 1½ lbs  / 600g ground beef

• ¾ cup bread crumbs 

• 1 egg

• 1 ½ cups onion, finely diced 

• 2 tsp chopped thyme

• 1¼ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp pepper

• 2 tsp lea perrins

• 1 tbsp Tomato puree

• 1 cup grated zucchini 

• ½ cup grated cheese 

• Top Glaze

• 1/2 cup ketchup

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tbsp mustard

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F degrees / 180C
2. Combine all the ingredients apart from the top glaze in a large mixing bowl. Using your hands incorporate everything into the meat. This only takes 30 seconds or so, you do not want to over mix.
3. Transfer meat into a large loaf pan and press it down evenly into the pan.
4. Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a small bowl. Pour over meatloaf.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 - 50 minutes. 
6. Remove from oven and drain off excess juices. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.