Did you know that I have 4 cook books already? Well it's true - but I just make them for family - you won't find them in your local cooking section at the book store - I’m not that fancy. I did want to document the recipes that were passed down, and have a place that they could be found easily for my family, and theirs and theirs. Plus I like projects, so it is something for me to do when I am not doing other stuff...I will be sharing some of the favourites for you all to share now too!
One of the recipes in my books that has the most sauce, flour and grime on it ( the sign of a firm favourite if you ask me!) is the recipe for our BBQ Meatloaf. I remember my Nanna used to make it - then my Mum, and then I needed to know as well, because it was too good not to know how to make! I don't care that it is made from cheap cuts of meat - in-fact some of my favourite dinners are made using some of the cheapest cuts! Think about all those low and slow roast dinners, 16 hour pork butts, Beef cheeks cooked all day - well you get the picture... To be honest, I have never been too bothered about being judged, I like to just cook and eat what I think is delicious - and so here is my recipe - and I hope you make it yours too! It really is one of those meals, best served just from the baking tin, with a heap of mashed potatoes, roast veggies, and lots of the gravy, or sauce smothered all over it!
Oh, and by the way - the next day, this is super on a sandwich and I bet you will double up the recipe for the next time - just so you have enough for 'day after sandwiches'
BBQ Meatloaf
250g Each of Sausage Mince and Beef Mince
1 Cup Fresh breadcrumbs
Chopped Parsley - half a bunch chopped finely
1 Egg - beaten with a fork
1/2 Cup Milk
1/2 Cup Water
2 Small Brown Onions - diced finely
1 Dessert Spoon of Curry Powder (Keens)- I now substitute this with my Cajun Spice instead - either is fine! But really, the Cajun one is great to use here!
Salt and Pepper to taste
Take your jewellery off and get mixing! Mix everything in together until it is evenly combined - you want to get a bite of everything in every mouth full!
BBQ Sauce:
1/2 Cup Water
1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
1/2 Cup Tomato Sauce
1 Teaspoon instant coffee
1/4 Cup Worcestershire sauce
2 Dessertspoons Margarine
2 Tbsp Vinegar
2 Tbsp Lemon juice
Combine all in a pot, bring to the boil and then simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside. As always - taste to make sure it is balanced - not too vinegary, sweet etc - and adjust to how you like it! If you want it spicier, add some chilli powder, or wait until serving time, and add it there - no rules, just deliciousness!
To cook the meat loaf:
Pre Heat oven to 180C and mix together ingredients.
Once the ingredients are all combined, place into a bread loaf tin - and cook for about 30 minutes.
Remove from oven, and poke holes over the loaf using bamboo skewer, then pour BBQ sauce over the top until reaches just under the lip of the tin.
Please back into the oven and cook a further 45 mins. During this time, I usually pull the pan out a few times, and spoon the sauce over the top, to let it get sticky and caramelised - it will soak in and go dark and sticky on the top - people will be fighting over the end pieces - because they are more browned and most delicious.
Once cooked through, remove from oven and serve! I like to serve with roast veggies, mashed potato, and some green veggies - you can have these all roasting in the oven at the same time, so it is all done at the same time!
Variations:
I have made mini meatloafs using ramekins, or muffin tins as well - ideal for lunches, or for when you need to portion control yourself from just having a slab.
Obviously, the cooking time wont be as long - if you are using muffin tins, you can probably cook for about 10 mins, then poke holes, then add sauce, then about 20-25 mins from there - you want it to be saucy, and brown on top - check it regularly to make sure you don't burn or over cook!
Also - I have substituted coconut water for milk, when I didn't have any milk, but really wanted this for dinner, and it came out great as well.
If you add bacon or similar to the mix ( good for you) but, just be aware, that it will cause a-lot more fat to render out, and you may want to pour some of that off prior to adding on your bbq sauce - other wise you are just eating bacon fat... and I will never judge you for doing that, but damn that is nasty..and not meant to be drunk like a milkshake ok!
I would love to hear your variations as well - please share them with me on social media - #imademammajos and I will definitely share them with everyone else as well!
Enjoy my family recipe
MammaJo