Mini Italian Meatloafs

Meatloaf is one of my favorite dishes. Growing up, it was always a highlight when my mom made meatloaf for dinner. I enjoy my meatloaf with a big side of mashed potatoes and corn and lots of brown gravy. After years of monotony, I decided to shake things up a bit and try a different kind of meatloaf. In the words of my grandfather, "What are all these colorful things in here?" Packed with bell peppers, onions and Italian seasonings, this is my version of an Italian style meatloaf. I served mine with Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes and The Best Spinach.

Recipe yields 10 mini meatloaves

Ingredients
2.5 lbs ground beef
2 large eggs
1 1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp oregano
2 tsp basil
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
1 head garlic, finely chopped
6 oz. tomato paste

Preheat the oven to 425F degrees. Finely chop the pepper, onion and garlic. In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients until evenly incorporated. Form meat mixture into 10 mini loaves. Arrange on greased baking sheet and place in the oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. Serve alongside your favorite side dishes. Enjoy!

Homestyle Meatloaf

There is nothing more hearty and homestyle than warm meatloaf right out of the oven. This is my mom's recipe that I believe can't be beat! Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments!

Recipe yields 6 servings

Ingredients
2 1/2 lbs lean chopped meat
2 large eggs
1 tsp Worcester sauce
1 tbsp celery salt
1 tbsp onion powder
1 cup breadcrumbs

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine all your ingredients.

Using your hands, mix together the ingredients until fully incorporated with the meat.

Divide your mixture right down the middle, so you can create two evenly sized loaves.

In two 9"x5" loaf  pans, arrange your meat. Press it down so it lays evenly in the pans.

Place in the oven and cook for 55-60 minutes. You want the meat to show no signs of pink, but you don't want to dry it out. I suggest checking it after 55 minutes.

Remove from the oven and cut it into slices. I served mine with my mushroom gravy. Check back later in the week for the recipe. Enjoy!