Cool-Kitchen Meat Loaf

Those lazy, hazy days of summer may well refer to summertime in the South, because this region’s high humidity makes warm days feel even hotter! That’s why Southern cooks always keep a keen eye out for recipes that won’t heat up the house. Cool-Kitchen Meat Loaf is a perfect dish for a summer supper. This recipe features juicy slices of tender meat loaf served with a homemade sweet-and-sour sauce, creating a delightful combination of flavors. Not only is this meat loaf delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a quick and hassle-free meal. The meat loaf is cooked on the grill using indirect heat, ensuring even cooking and preventing the kitchen from becoming uncomfortably hot. With its simplicity and mouthwatering taste, this Cool-Kitchen Meat Loaf is bound to become a favorite among your family and friends.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup soft bread crumbs
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• 1 egg
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1½ pounds lean ground beef

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a large bowl, combine the soft bread crumbs, chopped onion, tomato sauce, egg, salt, and pepper.
2. Crumble the lean ground beef over the mixture and mix well.
3. Shape the mixture into two loaves.
4. Place each loaf in a disposable 8×4-in. loaf pan.
5. Cover the loaf pans with foil.

YIELD:

• Makes 2 loaves (3 servings each)

COOKING TIME:

• Grill: 30 minutes

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the grill for indirect heat.
2. Grill the meat loaves, covered, over medium heat for 30 minutes or until the meat is no longer pink and a thermometer reads 160°.

TIPS:

• For added flavor, you can incorporate additional spices such as garlic powder or dried herbs into the meat mixture.
• If you prefer a glaze on top of the meat loaves, brush some of the sauce over them before grilling.
• Allow the meat loaves to rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain their juiciness.

During the hot and humid summer days in the South, it’s essential to find recipes that won’t heat up the kitchen. The Cool-Kitchen Meat Loaf is a perfect solution. Created by Susan Taul from Birmingham, Alabama, this recipe offers a delicious and satisfying meal without causing any additional discomfort in the already sweltering weather.

The process starts with combining soft bread crumbs, chopped onion, tomato sauce, egg, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. The lean ground beef is crumbled over the mixture and mixed thoroughly, resulting in a flavorful meat mixture. Shaping the mixture into two loaves and placing them in disposable loaf pans allows for easy grilling.

Preheating the grill for indirect heat is crucial to ensure even cooking. The meat loaves are grilled covered over medium heat for approximately 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°. While the meat loaves are grilling, a sweet-and-sour sauce is prepared by combining ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, white vinegar, and prepared mustard in a saucepan. The sauce is cooked over low heat until the sugar is dissolved and then spooned over the meat loaves before serving.

To enhance the flavor profile of the Cool-Kitchen Meat Loaf, you can experiment with additional spices like garlic powder or dried herbs. For those who prefer a glazed finish, brushing some of the sauce over the meat loaves before grilling adds a delightful touch. It’s important to let the meat loaves rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain their juiciness.

With its tender texture and flavorful sauce, the Cool-Kitchen Meat Loaf is a true crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this easy and delicious dish without worrying about heating up the kitchen during the summer. This recipe is a testament to the ingenuity of Southern cooks who know how to create satisfying meals while beating the heat.