3 pounds ground beef
2 celery stalks finely chopped (about 2/3 cup)
1 medium onion finely chopped (about 2/3 cup)
3 garlic cloves finely chopped
1 small bell pepper finely chopped (about 2/3 cup)
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon Duck Commander Cajun Seasoning (mild or zesty)
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 can (12 ounces) tomato paste
2 tablespoons evaporated milk
2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed
2 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce, for topping
4 slices bacon, cut in half crosswise
Heat the oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, mix together (with your hands) the meat, celery, onion, garlic, bell pepper, eggs, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, tomato paste, milk, and 2 cups of the crushed crackers. Divide between 2 loaf pans. Spread tomato sauce on the top of each loaf. Sprinkle the remaining crushed crackers on top of the sauce. Top the loaves with the bacon. Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes, until set and the juices run clear when the meatloaf is poked with a fork. Let cool a little before slicing.
A Note from Miss Kay
Meatloaf was a standard meal when we were growing up because it’s economical yet still a great choice for dinner. Jep has always been my “meatloaf lover” and can’t wait for me to make it. You can serve it with potatoes of any kind and a simple salad.