Last night I decided to make meatloaf for dinner. It had been ages since I’d made it, so I decided to try a new recipe instead of my Auntie Lynne’s old faithful (which I still love). This is an Alison Holst recipe that I have modified slightly.

The verdict? A big “thumbs up” from everyone!

American Meatloaf

3/4 cup fine dry breadcrumbs
1 packet (~32g) soup mix (I used chicken & sweetcorn)
1/4 cup hot water
1/4 cup tomato sauce
1 egg
500g minced beef or lamb (I used beef)

Topping:
2 rashers bacon
1 Tablespoon tomato paste
2 tsp brown sugar
2 Tablespoons water

Preheat oven to 180C. Line a loaf tin with baking paper.

Stir the breadcrumbs and soup mix together in a large bowl. Add the hot water and stir with a fork to mix. Add the sauce and egg and mix again, then add the minced meat.

Using your hands, mix the minced meat evenly through the other ingredients, then place into the loaf tin.

Cut the rind and fat off the bacon, and lay strips over the loaf. Mix the tomato paste, brown sugar and water together, and brush over the bacon.

Bake, uncovered, for 1 1/4 hours.

To serve, cut into thick slices and serve with gravy.

Serves 4