BBQ Meatloaf and Roasted Brussels Sprouts 

with this recipe I start off with my basic meatloaf recipe,I make meatloaf a few different ways but I always start out with the basic first.

Basic meatloaf recipe:

2lbs ground beef

1 small onion

1/2-1 cup oatmeal

2 eggs

1/3 cup ketchup

few dashes of worcestershire sauce

salt and pepper

add in for BBQ meatloaf:

hand full of Parmesan cheese

red pepper flakes (optional)

BBQ sauce for basting

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. divide into 8 equal portions. I form these in a small football shape. you need to pack them pretty tight so they don't fall apart on the grill. It sound weird but my dad taught me to throw it from one had to the other to really get them formed tight.  

I usually BBQ these on the grill but I happened to run out of propane right as I put these on the grill so I had to switch to the oven. I put them on a wire rack over a baking pan and cooked them at 450 for about 15 min and then switch to broil for the last five min while basting with BBQ sauce and turning them over once. however on a normal day I BBQ them for 15-20 min turning them often and basting with sauce the last few min. I cook them on medium temp and I actually love it a little charred. but feel free to cook to your desired color :)

Meatloaf is all about texture and i never actually measure anything i just mix and add more oats if it feels to wet and more ketchup if it feels too dry. I love to use oats as my binder but cracker crumbs or bread crumbs work fine too. 

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

1.5 lbs Brussels sprouts

5-6 slices bacon

1 medium onion

salt and pepper

2-3 Tbs balsamic vinegar

olive oil

cut bacon into small pieces. cut onion in large pieces, cut brussels sprouts in half. toss all in a large baking pan with olive oil. enough to coat everything. roast in a piping hot oven around 450 for 30-40 min. the amount of vinegar is really about your preference i used a few tablespoons but if you dont like it you can leave it out completely.I toss it with a spatula after 20 min and then again every 10 min until desired color achieved. Again I like mine a bit charred. I have also done this same recipe in a large skillet on the stovetop and it turned out really good.

I ended up making some instant mashed potatoes to round out the meal! I usually do one simple side to make the meal easier. I don't mind taking a little help from the store :) Yes I use paper plates! almost everynight...no judging.