Unbelievable Meatloaf

The following “Chew This!” column has been reprinted from “The Courier-Times”, Sunday, April 5th 2015 edition. By: Blaise Doubman 

A four ingredient meatloaf, wins approval for ease and flavor!
Blaise Doubman

I don’t know how many times people have messaged me with questions on what they can fix for dinner, what they can fix with the least amount of ingredients possible and how they can make something fast – but flavorful. I love answering questions like this, and really helping “brainstorm” to find a solution. More times than not, after thinking for awhile, and seeing a limited ingredient list, a new and delicious recipe is born. Recently, I got to thinking about what I could do to make a meatloaf that would be quick, flavorful and made with as little ingredients as possible. Could I develop an uncomplicated meatloaf recipe that would be an approachable recipe for even the beginning cook?

Meatloaf usually contains two types of meat – usually a mixture of ground beef and ground sausage (sometimes veal). Just about every recipe also calls for ketchup, herbs, spices, eggs, milk and some type of crackers or bread. What could I eliminate without eliminating any of the flavors? I had to keep the meat, that was a given, and the egg helps “hold” the meatloaf together. But what about the herbs, spices, crackers and or bread…? And then it hit me. I remembered seeing a recipe where store bought “cornbread dressing” mix was used in making meatballs. Why not use the same concept for a meatloaf? That was it! I could use the “cornbread dressing” mix, and that would take care of the herbs, spices and the crackers that are needed in your more traditional meatloaf. The water would help cook the meatloaf and help “plump” the cornbread dressing mix (which would provide plenty of herbs and spices) – helping the egg hold everything together. This recipe is super simple to throw together, and so delicious, it’s unbelievable.

Unbelievable Meatloaf

This recipe is so delicious you won’t believe it! And with only 4 ingredients! (Water, salt and pepper don’t really count as “ingredients” in the cooking world). I use “Stove Top” brand cornbread stuffing mix for this recipe. It contains the perfect amount of herbs and spices needed for this recipe. This can be served with any side dish you desire – mashed potatoes, green beans, macaroni and cheese or even roasted vegetables would be perfect. This is also delicious sliced and served on bread the next day, for the ultimate “comfort food” sandwich.

1 pound ground beef
1 pound hot sausage
1 cup water
1 egg, beaten
1 box cornbread stuffing mix
Pinch of salt
Pinch of black pepper

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and spraying a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix together until thoroughly combined. The easiest way to do this is with clean hands.

Next, place the mixture into prepared baking pan and form into a loaf shape.

Place in preheated oven for one hour.

Remove from oven, and let rest for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving.