Easy Meatloaf Without the Breadcrumbs

I stumbled upon an issue today when I decided to make meatloaf, I had no more breadcrumbs. Not only did I not have any more breadcrumbs, but I also had run out of bread! Normally most people would just go on and make something else, but when you're pregnant and experiencing extreme cravings, you'll do what it takes to make the food you want.

I looked throughout the pantry to try to find something I could use in substitute for the breadcrumbs, but was having very little luck. I was about ready to give up and cry (being pregnant you cry a lot too) until my husband suggested I use apples instead. Now I know, apples do NOT sound appealing in meatloaf, but don't knock them down just yet...

I was willing to experiment this one time and take my husband's suggestion. Usually his culinary suggestions turn out rather... interesting (scrambled eggs and beef jerky, need I say more?) but this one seemed promising. So, I made my usual meatloaf recipe, but substituted the breadcrumbs with apple chunks. The meal turned out to be amazing! The apples gave the dish a nice sweet flavor without making it disgusting. This was truly such an interesting and successful experiment that I felt I must share it. Below is the recipe... enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2lb Lean Ground Beef
• 2 Gala (or small) Apples, sliced, cored, & diced
• 2 Tablespoons of Worcester Sauce
• 1/2 cup of Ketchup
• 1 Tablespoon of Pepper
• 1 Tablespoon of Salt
• 1/2 Teaspoon of Garlic Powder
• 1 egg, beaten

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Mix all the ingredients together until well blended. Make sure the meat is very well coated in the liquid mixture.
3. Place meat mixture into an ungreased bread pan and bake for about 1 1/2 hours. The top should be a very dark brown.
4. This recipe serves 4.