When we were kids, my Mom used to make this. Once I had meatloaf this way, I never went back to the plain old boring meat log. Shoot, you can never go wrong with cheese! Am I right?
Meatloaf Roll:
1 1/2 lb ground beef – $3.87
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped – $.10
1 small can tomato sauce (1/2 goes in the meatloaf mixture. Other 1/2 tops the finished roll) – $.33
1/4 cup crushed saltines or similar cracker – $.25
1 egg – $.13
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese – $.50
2 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp pepper1-2 cups mashed potatoes (instant or fresh) – $.50
COST: $5.68
Once you’ve prepared your mashed potatoes, set them aside. Make sure you have your cheese shredded and ready to go.
Mix your meatloaf ingredients (well). Put foil or wax paper down in large rectangle shape and flatten the meatloaf mixture till it’s as wide as the loaf pan you will cook in and about 12 inches in length and 1 inch thick.
Next, spread the mashed potatoes over the meatloaf. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top of potatoes and roll the meatloaf. Carefully place into loaf pan.
Bake covered at 350 degrees for 50 minutes. Once cooked, remove from oven and drain excess oil (there will be a lot from cheese). Next, add remaining 1/2 can of tomato sauce to top of loaf and return to oven. Cook for 15 more mins, uncovered. Let rest for 5-10 mins before serving.
We served with Salad, but you could do any veggie or side you choose. Great comfort food and the kids just eat it up!
Salad:
8 oz mixed greens – 1.50
2 Roma Tomato – .70
Baby Carrot, shredded – .25
1 cucumber – .33
1 Red Bell Pepper – 1.50 (wasn’t on sale)COST: $4.28
GRAND TOTAL: $9.96
I have never been a big fan of meatloaf but I thought I would give this recipe a try. I used ground turkey instead of beef and since I didn’t have any crackers around the house I used oatmeal instead. I have officially been converted. Terrific recipe; thanks for sharing. We will be repeating this recipe in our household for sure.
I am so glad! This is a very forgiving recipe. I mean, looks don’t matter, it’s all about taste, right? Enjoy!
I made this with freshly mashed potatoes and halved the salt (personal preference). Turned out great! And the kids did eat it up! A fun and different way to make meatloaf. Oh, and I also subbed ketchup for the tomato sauce because that was all I had. Thanks, Renae!
That’s funny. The other day I subbed ketchup on this recipe too. I think I like tomato better, but you do with what you have, right? Glad you made fresh mashed. I always do, but it’s ok to use instant. I just think using fresh mashed makes the recipe all that much better. I don’t know what it is with this recipe, but kids totally dig it!