Monday, April 18, 2011

Southwestern Mini Meatloaves (pg. 235) and Skillet Mac & Cheese (pg. 145)

So we have tried several different meatloaf recipes over the years, and our favorite is the Pioneer Woman's!  Since we like it so much, we haven't tried any new meatloaf recipes since....BUT, in the spirit of trying new things, we decided to try this "30 minute" version.  I was originally going to just do the "All-American" version, but I just can't see how it could even come close to PW's...so I decided to try the "Southwestern" variation on page 235 since I knew it would have a different taste.  I think I might make this again, but it will not replace our favorite!  It was pretty good, though....different in a good way....I've never had a southwestern-style meatloaf with green chilis, chipotle chilis, and cilantro.  They warn against using just ground beef b/c it will just taste like hamburgers....but, that's what we always use for meatloaf so I stuck with it.  I would have to disagree with that warning, at least for this southwestern version because the addition of the two kinds of chilis and the cilantro kept it from being boring.  It definitely did not taste like hamburgers!  One issue I did have was flipping the loaves over after the first side had been browned.  I don't think I formed my loaves as "tightly" as I should have because they started falling apart when I tried to flip them....so that was tricky!  Just make sure you form them well and really squish the meat together!

We really liked the mac and cheese...and so did my 20 month old son! (who is picky)  I will definitely make this again.  It was very easy and very tasty.  Not too much to say about it other than that!

The meatloaf doesn't look all that appetizing in this photo, but without all the proper lighting and angles, it is kinda hard to make a chunk of meat topped with ketchup glaze look good! :)


1 comment:

Darby Hawley said...

I have been so antsy to try this meatloaf. I'm so glad it was tasty; I will have to work this one in soon :-)