As you know I run a small sustainably managed old fashioned farm. We like to grow the food we eat. But so that I can have this ‘on the farm’ life to which I would like to become accustomed, Our John has to go to work each day at a real job. Poor darling. And as I won’t let anyone eat processed or store bought food I cook dinner with his lunch for the next day in mind. Lunches for him to take to work. Meatloaf fits the bill nicely. As kids we ate meatloaf sandwiches and my children did too when they were at school. My mother used to make her meatloaf in two large loaf tins. I prefer to make it in the little tins. They cook faster and then the loaves are less likely to dry out.
Mama’s Meat Loaf
- 1 pound of ground (minced) beef
- 1 pound of ground(minced) pork
- 1 onion
- 1 loose cup of grated butternut and the same of grated egg plant ( or carrot and sweet potato), or whatever is in your garden. Just make sure a third of your loaf is vegetables.
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 finely chopped de seeded chilli. This little hit of chilli complements the honey so be very light handed. You want to taste each flavour.
- fresh herbs – thyme, celeriac (just a little of the leaf so it supports the tastes not overpowers them), generous pick of rosemary tips.
- 2 eggs.
- a tiny drizzle of honey.
- salt and pepper to taste.
The best way to combine this is to use your hands. Fingers were made before forks! And if you have time, it is even better if you can combine everything except the eggs and let it sit for a couple of hours in the fridge to exchange flavours.
Pat firmly into your loaf tins. This will make four small loaves.
Pour a rich sweet Thai chilli sauce on top and then top that with grated or sliced cheese. When my children were young I topped it with tomato paste and swirls of mustard on top of that.
Cook in moderate oven for about 40 minutes to an hour. Careful not to overcook as a dry meatloaf is so dissappointing. Now, it will get juicy as it cooks. So half way through the cooking time I VERY CAREFULLY drain some of the juices out of the tin then pop it back into the oven. Oy.. someone get that bad cat off the table! .. bad cat! 
We ate this with butter roasted new potatoes and fresh beans from the garden. We have been eating outside on my barn door table, every evening since spring.
THE NEXT DAY
Make a lunch box door-stop sandwich with your home made flax seed bread and a slice of cold meatloaf. If you have baked your bread and meatloaf in the same size tins then they will fit together perfectly. Add a slice of cheese, a smear of your tomato chutney, and a few leaves of fresh fall lettuce.
Maybe send him to work with a bottle of ginger beer like the old time Welsh miners. No shaking. 
c
PS Ginger beer and that Bad Cat
The Kitchen's Garden 
61 responses to “mama’s easy meatloaf”
I haven’t had meatloaf in such a long time. This looks incredible. I love coming here, this blog reminds me of my grandmothers home 🙂
Thank you Kay, I like the old fashioned way, and I do like the old fashioned farm food, i was thinking of calling the recipes – retro recipes- they are all from the 70’s!! c
would love some of that for my breakfast right now!
Exactly my idea too Tandy! c
Your husband is a lucky man off to work with a lunch like that. Looks like the cat just wanted her picture taken. And, as far as the picture of “Queenie’s Rump” on the Chutney Link…
Well, I’ll have mine Medium Rare…thanks.
paul
You can have a medium rare from one of Queenies steers, when they eventually appear and are steers, we have a ways to go on that side though!
Wow, I love the honey and veggies in your recipe – never would have thought of either. Hubby likes meatloaf with cheddar cheese and bacon, but I haven’t made one in ages.
You photos look especially yummy today!
( I tried three times to read all the way through yesterday, and people kept interrupting me! I guess I just have to do the early-morning reads while they’re all asleep!)
Very sensible, plus you are harvesting and cooking up all your bounty! have a good day.. c
Oh those sound and look delicious! I want your life……
Thank you, it is very tasty.. c
oh my, you’re making me hungry!! looks so delish!
Thank you Whit, have a great day.. c
That meatloaf looks so tempting, no wonder the cat couldn’t stay away! I love the addition of butternut, and it must be such a pleasure to cook with your own, home-grown ingredients!
It is – very satisfying, plus for this meatloaf I used my own grass fed beef too! I love to know where my food comes from.. c
Yum! The meatloaf looks amazing with the rosemary and I just love the look of that sandwich!
morning Yummy. yes rosemary is probably one of my favourite herbs. It is divine in this meatloaf! c
Looks amazing!! I recently discovered the joys of meatloaf–until this year, I’d never really had good meatloaf, and I was amazed that I’ve gone so long without making it. Your recipe sounds great, and the picture of the cat hedging towards the dish is hilarious. =)
Hullo Jenna. I am glad you have discovered meatloaf, I was always put off by the heavy meat thing. but once you throw piles of veg in as well it is so much lighter and healthier. c
The one great thing about the onset of fall is cooler days and nights which starts my desire for comfort food. This meatloaf takes me back to my childhood, so delicious. Bring on the casseroles too!
morning Yummy. YES to the casseroles and now that you mention it .. I must make another casserole soon.. thank you!!!
My husband loves a cold meatloaf sandwich so I always make an extra one. Your recipe sounds great, I can’t wait to try it.
I’d love to know what you put in your meatloaf too! c
My mom used smaller tins as well and I agree they cook quick and due to that moisture is retained.
Nothing worse than a dry meatloaf, raymund! c
Oooh meatloaf! Love the shot with your cat in it… busted! I’m sure it would have liked a piece. And just like you, I use my meatloaf on sandwiches the next day, with pickles and lettuce – like a burger. Thanks for sharing a great recipe!
Good morning Martyna, Pickles, i knew I had missed something out from my sandwich! Thank you c
I like to mix pork and beef too and the idea of making smaller sized ones is great. Never thought either to put a third of veggies in…bet they´re so moist and delicious.
This is why i sometimes have to pour a little fluid off during the cooking.. they get a bit too moist! much better than dry tho.. c
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