Magnificent Meatloaf!

No really... it is!

I used to hate meatloaf, but I like to think that I have grown up a bit, and now love it. I asked my mom for the recipe, and was told there really weren't measurements; just play it by ear (hand). This is her best "recipe".

Mix together hamburger, bread crumbs, salt, pepper, egg, onion (optional).
I made and froze mini-meatloafs. On the day I want to eat it, I take it out in the morning to thaw, then bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes. Part way through (20 minutes or so) drain and pour sauce on; continue baking.

Sauce 1 (this one is more for a family serving, not mini ones)
2 cans tomato sauce
3 tablespoons vinegar
2 tablespoons mustard
1/2 cup water
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce

Sauce 2 (I use this one for my mini-meatloafs)
3 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon worcestershire sauce

Taco Salad

Taco salad (without the taco chips) is a great phase 1 meal. Yes, the chips are really what makes it so yummy, but its still good without. On occasions when I'm not being so strict, however, you bet they are thrown back in!

Here is one version of a simple taco salad recipe. I deleted the taco chips part. The recipe and picture came from allrecipes.com.

Enjoy!

1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
1 cup salsa
1 (15.25 ounce) can kidney beans
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
4 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Optional garnish: sour cream, chopped tomato, and additional salsa

Hamburger Minestrone Soup

I’m not a big soup fan, but I LOVE this soup. It super filling, nutritious and delicious!

2 cups chopped onions
1 cup sliced celery
2 garlic gloves, minced
1/8 cup vegetable oil
5 cups beef broth
(I just buy the big carton and add water to make 5 cups)
1 14 oz can diced tomatoes
1 15 oz can tomato sauce
1 cup sliced carrots
2 teaspoons basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 pound ground beef
1 small zucchini, sliced
1 can green beans
1 can kidney beans, drained
1 can navy beans, drained
(or just two cans of your favorite beans)

In a large pot, sauté onion, celery and garlic until tender. Stir in broth, tomatoes, tomato sauce, carrots, basil, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 1 hour. In a large pan, cook beef until no longer pink. Drain. Stir beef into soup with zucchini and beans. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Top each serving with parmesan cheese.

Enjoy!

Chili

1 lb ground beef
1-2 cans tomato soup
1 can kidney beans
1 can pinto beans
1 can chili beans
1 onion chopped
¼ c green pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
½ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon chili powder (more to taste)

Brown beef and onion; drain. Add soup and spices. Boil; simmer 1 hour. Add beans; simmer ½ hour.

In the slow cooker:
Brown beef and onion; drain. Combine EVERYTHING in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours.

If you decide to cook it on low for 12 hours, you will end up with a big, black, charcoaled mess…