Basic Meatloaf Recipe Italian Style

Everyone usually has their own variation of this time tested easy meatloaf recipe. I have several simple meatloaf recipes that I make and this is the best meatloaf recipe if you like it a little bit different.

INGREDIENTS:

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 brown onions - chopped
1 kg good minced steak (I love topside or rump)
3/4 cup good pasta sauce
2 1/2 cups fresh white breadcrumbs
1 - 2 cloves garlic or bottled crushed garlic
2 eggs
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
finely grated rind of 1 small lemon
40 g melted butter

PREPARATION:

Preheat oven to 200 C. Grease a deep loaf tin and line with baking paper or unwaxed lunch wrap paper. Heat oil in a large frypan or wok and add the onions and garlic. Cook for several minutes or until onion is transparent. Combine the mince, sauce, 1 cup of the breadcrumbs, lemon rind, eggs and half the onion mixture in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper and mix well. Using your hands is the best way to really combine the ingredients. Spoon this into the loaf tin then combine the remaining breadcrumbs, onion mixture, parmesand and butter in a bowl. Spoon over the meatloaf and bake for 30 minutes. Cover top loosely with alfoil to prevent over-browning and then coook for a further 20 minutes or until cooked through. Cool for 10 minutes in the tin then lift out onto a plate to serve. Serve with a nice tossed salad and some crunchy italian bread.