I grew up fully immersed in the rich culinary culture and history of Mexico and Texas. It took many years for me to realize that there was literally a whole world of food and culture beyond what I knew so well. When it began to dawn on me, I set out to discover what a meal without tortillas, cheese, and Mexican rice would look like. I longed to begin my new education with the most “American” thing I could think of. And, I ask you, what is more American than meat loaf? This is the first recipe that opened my eyes to cooking meat in a completely different way. It’s the same meat loaf I make to this day.

　　

Ingredients

makes 4 to 6 servings

　　1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef

　　3/4 cup uncooked oatmeal

　　3/4 cup milk

　　1 large egg, lightly beaten

　　1/4 cup chopped yellow or white onion

　　2 garlic cloves, minced

　　1 teaspoon kosher salt

　　1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

　　1/2 cup ketchup

　　2 tablespoons packed light or dark brown sugar

　　2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

　　1 tablespoon mustard

　　

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, place the ground beef, oatmeal, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix until well blended.

　　

Step 2

Pack the mixture into a 9 × 5-inch loaf pan and set aside.

　　

Step 3

In a glass measuring cup or small bowl, place the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Stir until completely blended.

　　

Step 4

Pour the sauce over the meat loaf. Bake until cooked and bubbling slightly around the edges, about 1 hour. Let stand 5 minutes.

　　

Step 5

If desired, use a spatula to remove the meat loaf from the pan. Cut crosswise and serve.

　　Eva's Kitchen