Basic ground meat mixture that works for Meatloaf, Meatballs or Hamburgers:
All three at once if you keep the quantities down for each!

Mix together in large bowl until moist & well combined –
1 kg (2 lbs) lean ground meat (can use beef, pork or turkey, or a combination of these)
1/4 cup flour or 1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 T. Italian or Greek seasoning
1 egg
¼ cup ketchup
1 T mustard
1 T Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce
1 med onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 t seasoned salt, ½ t pepper
1 t. chili powder

Meatloaf :
Preheat oven to 350F. Pat into loaf pans (large or minis), place pans on a cookie sheet to put into oven. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove and drain excess fat from pan (carefully!!). Spread top with ketchup or BBQ sauce and return to oven for 20-30 minutes (reduce time for smaller loaves). Meatloaf is done when juices are clear, not pink – no not undercook. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Serve with: mashed potatoes, brown gravy and favourites vegetables (baked beans, peas, green beans and red cabbage all work well).

Meatballs:
Use tablespoon to measure amount of meat and shape each into balls. Place in rows on cookie sheet or baking pan. Bake at 350F for 20 minutes. Remove and let cool in pan before removing. Can be frozen in small quantities to be added to recipes – use zip-lock bags.
Add cooked meatballs to:
Spaghetti sauce & serve over pasta,
BBQ sauce for a meatball sub sandwich,
Chinese sweet & sour sauce and serve over rice
Brown gravy, fried onions and mushrooms, and sour cream for ‘stroganoff’, served over noodles

Hamburgers:
Measure out approx. 1/3 cup meat, shape into flat patties. Lightly pat or dust each side with flour. Season with favourite grilling spices (Keg, Montreal Steak Spice, Garlic etc.). If frying and not grilling: place small amount of oil in hot frying pan with a few drops of liquid smoke or Worcestershire sauce for flavour. Add patties carefully to hot oil. Cook 3-4 minutes per side on medium heat – flip burgers when red juices rise to the top. Cover pan to avoid splattering. Serve on a bun with favourite hamburgers toppings, or with brown gravy for hot hamburger dinner. Good with potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw.

Print/Download PDF: suzs-basic-meat-mix