Basic Meatloaf

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 400F.
2. 2
   Crush the crackers.
3. 3
   I use the food processor for this to get finer crumbs.
4. 4
   Mix the meat, soup, and egg together with the seasonings.
5. 5
   Add cracker crumbs until the texture is firm but not dry.
6. 6
   Press the meatloaf mixture into a loaf pan.
7. 7
   Bake until done (160F on the meat thermometer), which takes about an hour.
8. 8
   Muffin variation: Divide meatloaf mixture into 6 even portions.
9. 9
   Press into large size muffin tin that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
10. 10
    If adding a sauce, form a well in the top of each muffin to hold the sauce.
11. 11
    Check baking time carefully, as the smaller size allows the dish to bake more quickly.
12. 12
    I have found that baking time is reduced to about 35 minutes in this form.