With our youngest daughter now married and moving a few hours away, for the first time in 26 years I'll only be cooking for two, and often only for myself as my husband typically prefers to eat a salad for dinner. What that will probably look like is cutting my recipes in half, assuming they were originally written for four people, if it's more, than I'll have to cut it down even further. Some things, like soups and stews, I can easily freeze, so that's easy enough, but I'm sure that won't be the case with every recipe. But I'm thinking that over time and with a little trial and error, I'll get the hang of it. All that to say, that was part of my motivation in planning out our my meals for the season. I actually made a little form that I'll post as soon as I have it tweaked, but for now I wanted to share the first recipe I have included.
I don't recall where or when I first came across this recipe, a quick google search took me to multiple sites featuring the same, so no, this is not original to me. I've had it in my files for several years now but only made it twice, as my daughter did not care for it. But if my memory serves me correctly, I loved it, and I guess one of the silver linings of being empty nesters is that I no longer have to consider my children's tastes and preferences when it comes to food. This is one I will definitely be cutting in half and even then I'm thinking it will probably feed me 2-3 times, which is fine. I'm thinking I may even opt not to mess with the crock pot and go with the traditional loaf pan. In planning our menu I've even considered sides to help take some of the guess work out of things, and for this it will be mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli.
If you think you might want a new take on an old favorite, I highly recommend you try out this recipe. I'll be making it soon, myself! Let me know if you try it, and what you think.
❊ CROCK POT BARBECUE RANCH MEATLOAF
Ingredients:
3 lbs. ground beef
1 lb. Sausage (or an extra pound ground beef)
1/2 cup bread crumbs
3 eggs
1 package dry powdered ranch dip mix
1/4 cup barbecue sauce, plus more for topping after (if desired)
1/2 medium onion, chopped fine
1 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon garlic powder
Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix beef, sausage, bread crumbs, eggs, ranch packet, 1/4 cup barbecue sauce, onion, salt and garlic together in a large bowl. May be easier to use your hands. Form into loaf shape.
Grease inside of crock pot. Place loaf inside and top with desired amount of additional barbecue sauce. Cook on low for 6 hours. Once cooked, add additional barbecue sauce as desired.
Serve with: Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Broccoli
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