Easy Meatloaf using Onion Soup Mix

In the past, Joe and I really only shopped for groceries at one store a week.  Lately, we've realized that we can save more money by purchasing certain items at other stores.  Ground beef is one of those items.  The price always seems so high at our usual store.  A few months ago, we discovered that we could pick up a family-pack sized package for $2.19 a lb at Wegman's.  Since we don't get there that often, the bulk-sized package works great for us, especially if we pair their low, everyday price with a $5 off $25 purchase!

Earlier in the week, Joe had an errand near Wegman's so he took the coupon and stopped to pick up a few things on his way home.  Usually, I package the ground meat into 3/4 lb. portions right away, but this week was pretty hectic and I just kept putting it off.  After the burgers I made for dinner that first night, I still had 5 lbs of meat to cook.

My plan was to just brown it all and then divide into recipe sized portions for the freezer.  Having pre-cooked ground beef really helps when you need something quick for dinner.  I mentioned my plan to Joe and he requested meatloaf.  Two meatloaves to be exact. (I'm sharing the recipe for one of them today) Since he rarely makes dinner requests, I decided give in and make meatloaf.  I just didn't want our usual meatloaf.

I looked to my friends on Facebook for suggestions, but I was too impatient to get started to wait for responses so I checked my pantry for a packet of Onion Soup Mix.  Just as I thought, I had one packet left from the box I bought over the holidays for dip.

Following the directions on the box, I switched up a few things: milk in place of water, seasoned bread crumbs instead of plain and chili sauce instead of ketchup.  I also sprinkled some brown sugar on top since I loved the onion-brown sugar combo when I made hobo packs a few weeks ago.  And since my free form meatloaves always fall apart, I took Joe's suggestion and pressed the mixture into a glass loaf pan.

The result?  A wonderfully, flavorful meatloaf that didn't fall apart!  In fact, the perfectly sliced leftovers made great sandwiches for lunch the next day!

Meatloaf 

Ingredients: 

• 2 lbs. ground beef 
• 1 envelope onion soup mix 
• 3/4 cup Italian bread crumbs 
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup milk 
• 1/3 cup chili sauce 
• brown sugar (optional) 

Directions: 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 
• Combine all of the ingredients (except for the brown sugar) in a large bowl.  
• Form into a loaf shape on a baking sheet or press into a loaf pan. 
• Sprinkle brown sugar on top.  
• Bake for 1 hour.  Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.  

We haven't tried the second meatloaf yet, but I prepared that one slightly differently since I only had one packet of soup mix.  Check back later in the week for that recipe!  As I mentioned above, my friends did provide lots of suggestions on preparing their favorite meatloaf and in the future, I plan to give all of their tips a try!