Dreamy Meatloaf Recipe

I used to make meatloaf according to an internet recipe I found and it was good... But then I remembered how my mom used to make this meatloaf, filled with pickles and eggs and hot dogs and I really wanted to try make it myself (to spice up the menu ;-) - don't we all wish to do that). 

Just a note - if you have been following my blog for a while, you know we raise our own chickens and turkeys and I am a big fan and supporter of people eating organic, free range, local meats - so I am using a ground beef that was lovingly raised on my husband's uncle's farm. We just love when we know where our food comes from ;-)

You will need

1 lb of ground beef

1/2 of bagel or 1 french roll

milk

1 egg

1 small onion

3 garlic cloves

2 tbsp majoram

2 tbsp ground caraway

2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp of black pepper

For Filling

Hard boiled eggs

Hot dog

Pickles

give or take 

the amount depends on what you like best - you can double up on the egg and leave out the hot dog etc...

First cut up the bagel or roll and dip it into the milk. Wait until it absorbs the milk and becomes soft and mushy. 

Then work it with hands until it looks like this.

Set it aside and mix the rest of the ingredients ...

... in a Kitchen Aid like mixer - or just use you hands. Preheat oven to 350.

Take it out of the bowl, lay it out on your counter, and form it into a half an inch thick long oval.

Lay the eggs and cucumbers (or hot dogs) on top of the meat mixture...

... and wrap it all up. The mixture should be holding well together.

Pour oil and half of cup of water into a glass (or any) oven dish and place the meatloaf in it.

Bake for 45 minutes (Please check your meatloaf after 35 minutes - ovens might vary and that could make a huge difference) and during that time open the oven couple times to pour some of the oil mixture that is in the dish over the meatloaf to keep it from drying out. Don't take it out of the oven but just turn on the broil option and keep it in for 5 minutes. Observe carefully so you don't burn it. This gives it a crunchy seal (if you prefer not softer meatloaf, skip this step)

You are ready to let it cool down for easier cutting! I hope you enjoy this fun spin on your meat loaf!