Southern-Style Meat Loaf

When my husband and I moved down South, we discovered our love for pimiento cheese! It adds southern flair to this meat loaf recipe. My husband loves his cheese, so he likes to add a sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and diced jalapeno on top for an added kick. —Patricia Getson, Wilmington, North Carolina

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. Bake: 1 hour + standing

Makes

6 servings

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped sweet onion
• 1/3 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten, room temperature
• 1/3 cup crushed saltines (about 10 crackers)
• 1/3 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 10 crackers)
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 1 carton (12 ounces) refrigerated pimiento cheese
• Hot mashed red potatoes
• Optional: shredded sharp cheddar cheese and sliced jalapeno pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and celery; cook and stir until crisp-tender, 4-5 minutes. Add carrots and garlic; cook and stir until tender, 1-2 minutes longer. Transfer vegetable mixture to a large bowl. Add eggs, crackers and seasonings. Add beef; mix lightly but thoroughly
2. Shape into an 8x4-in. loaf in a greased 11x7-in. baking dish. Bake, covered, for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake until a thermometer reads 160°, 15-20 minutes longer. Let stand 10 minutes. Cut into slices; spread with pimento cheese. Serve with potatoes and if desired, shredded cheese and jalapeno.

Taste of Home Editors