Basic Meatloaf (Southern Style) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 lbs lean ground beef
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup soft breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled (I like twice as much fresh herbs)
1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crumbled (I like twice as much fresh herbs)
3 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (topping) or 1/2 cup ketchup (topping)

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350\u00b0.
Mix ground beef, salt, pepper, eggs, bread crumbs, milk, Worcestershire, onion, thyme, and rosemary. (I whisk dried ingredients and pour over hamburger and fold together lightly, first. Then I add wet ingredients and incorporate together really well. I usually add less milk or add extra bread crumbs to preferred consistency).
Pack into a lightly greased loaf pan or form into a loaf and place on a lightly greased baking sheet with sides, such as a jelly roll pan. (I form into a loaf in a 9 X 13 pyrex baking dish).
Top meatloaf with sliced bacon, or your choice of ketchup or barbecue sauce.
Bake at 350\u00b0 for 1 1/2 - 1 3/4 hours, or till 170 to 180 degrees.
Dianna suggests serving meatloaf with heated tomato sauce or gravy. (I suggest serving with garlic mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables for a comfort style meal).