Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food. It is hearty, flavorful and can be subject to nearly infinite variations. Some meatloaves are all beef, while some are made with turkey or even faux meat, which preserves the spirit of the dish, if not the meat. Meatloaves have been around as long as ground meat and are larger versions of meatballs.  Due to their size, they can easily be served as a main course and the leftovers sliced for sandwiches. Flavorings and some "filler," in the form of vegetables, egg, breadcrumbs or rice, are added to help the loaf maintain its shape. The practice of "stretching the meat" with filler was popular and widely practiced during the lean war years of the early 20th century.

After a decline in popularity, due in part to many years of inclusion in frost-bitten, over-processed, microwaveable meals, meatloaf is working its way back onto the plates and into the hearts of diners everywhere. It is on upscale restaurant menus, where it is recognized as classic American fare, as well as being a staple at diners and neighborhood restaurants across the country.

If you like meatballs, hamburgers or simply meat, there is no reason why you should not like meatloaf. It is possible, however, that you have never had a good one. This recipe is a good one. My meatloaf recipe is as simple and delicious as it gets. It’s moist, flavorful, light and I have never had better. I make it in the oven, but it can be cooked on the stovetop, too. The advantage of baking this on a sheet pan instead of in a loaf pan is that this way the fat can run off from the meat, instead of puddling in the bottom of your pan. Be careful when moving the baking sheet so the juices don't run into your oven! 

 Nicole's Best Meatloaf Recipe
1 1/4 lbs lean ground beef
1 cup fresh bread crumbs (1 or 1 1/2 slices)
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1/2 medium onion, minced
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp dried mustard (optional)
1 tsp worcestershire sauce

Preheat oven to 375F. Line a baking sheet, preferably one with sides, with foil.
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix briefly, but throughly, with your hands.
Form meat mixture into a loaf shape on baking sheet.
Bake for 45-50 minutes. Top with 1/4 cup ketchup or chili sauce in the last 5 minutes of baking, if desired.
Serves 4-6, depending on appetites and side dishes.

[Photo by Nicole Weston, recipe originally published here]