Meatloaf & Mashed Potatoes

I know that meatloaf isn't at the top of everyone's list, but we found a recipe that we really like. Pair it with mashed potatoes, and you have another one of our favorite meals, which we had last night. :)

This is the Easy Pleasing Meatloaf from Kraftfoods.com.

2 lb. ground beef
1 pkg. (6 oz.) Stuffing Mix

1 cup water

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1/2 cup Barbecue Sauce, divided

PREHEAT oven to 400°F. Mix meat, stuffing mix, water, eggs and 1/4 cup of the barbecue sauce.

SHAPE meat mixture into four oval loaves. (Note: We usually divide it into 8-9 loaves.) Place, side-by-side, in foil-lined shallow baking pan. Top with the remaining 1/4 cup barbecue sauce.

BAKE 30 min. or until cooked through (160°F).

You can also put them into muffin tins. When almost done, top with mashed potatoes and cheese, and put back in the oven until cheese is melted.

When I initially found this recipe, they also listed several variations. I can't find it on Kraft's site now, so here's what I had copied. We haven't really tried any of the variations since we like the one above so much, but here are some alternatives they suggest adding to the 2 lb. lean ground beef, 1 cup water and 2 beaten eggs. Follow the above cooking directions.

Stove Top Stuffing Mix options	sauce choices (divided use)	seasoning possibilities
Chicken	1/2 cup Kraft Original Barbecue Sauce	1/2 cup chopped onion
Cornbread	3/4 cup Taco Bell Home Originals Salsa	1/2 cup chopped green pepper
Savory Herbs	1 jar (14 oz.) spaghetti sauce	2 cloves garlic, minced
Mushroom & Onion	1 jar (12 oz.) mushroom gravy	1 cup chopped mushrooms

And here is one more variation (cooking directions underneath).

seasoning options	add-in choices	cheese possibilities
1 tsp. Italian seasoning	3/4 cup spaghetti sauce	3/4 cup KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
2 tsp. chili powder	3/4 cup TACO BELL HOME ORIGINALS Thick 'N Chunky Salsa	3/4 cup KRAFT Shredded Mexican Style Cheese
1 tsp. dried oregano leaves	3/4 cup chopped roasted red peppers	3/4 cup ATHENOS Traditional Crumbled Feta Cheese
1 tsp. garlic powder	3/4 cup KRAFT or BULL'S-EYE Original Barbecue Sauce	3/4 cup KRAFT Shredded Cheddar Cheese

PREHEAT oven to 375°F. Mix meat, stuffing mix, water and the seasoning until well blended. Press evenly into 12 medium muffin cups sprayed with cooking spray; make an indentation in center of each with back of spoon.

SPOON add-ins evenly into indentations in meatloaves.

BAKE 30 min. or until meatloaves are cooked through (160°F). Top evenly with cheese; continue baking 5 min. or until cheese is melted. Let stand 10 min. before serving.

Mashed Potatoes

I learned how to make mashed potatoes from my parents, and they are definitely a family tradition that is often requested.

Peel and boil potatoes until tender. Drain and place potatoes in mixing bowl with butter and some salt (to taste). You could try real butter, but we tend to use Imperial or Country Crock.

Start mixing the potatoes using either a stand or hand mixer. Add milk until creamy. Add additional margarine and salt to taste. The key is to not hold back on the margarine. A large bowl of potatoes can easily take two or three sticks of margarine (if not more).