MOM'S MEAT LOAF RECIPE

MOM'S MEAT LOAF RECIPE

6 servingsTOTAL TIME:Prep: 15 min. Bake: 1 hour + standing

INGREDIENTS

* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

* 3/4 cup 2% milk

* 2/3 cup finely crushed saltines

* 1/2 cup chopped onion

* 1 teaspoon salt

* 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage

* Dash pepper

* 1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)

* 1 cup ketchup

* 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. Add beef; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into an 8x4-in. loaf in an ungreased 15x10x1-in. baking pan.

In a small bowl, combine remaining ingredients, stirring to dissolve sugar; remove 1/2 cup for sauce. Spread remaining mixture over meat loaf.

Bake 60-65 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with reserved sauce. Yield: 6 servings.

Test Kitchen Tips

* Chicken, beef or vegetable broth can be used instead of milk.

* Tips for a tender loaf: Use a gentle touch when mixing and shaping. Also, be sure to moisten the cracker crumbs or bread crumbs before adding them to the meat.

* Swap ground turkey for the beef. It pairs perfectly with the earthy rubbed sage.

* Short on time? Skip the sauce-making and use your favorite prepared barbecue sauce instead.