Meatloaf is easy to make. You don’t need a loaf tin. Just form the mixture into a log and bake it in the oven. Many people serve it with Mashed Potato. This is the same food but in a different presentation. It can be a great family activity in the festive season. Decorate this delicious log in your favourite way.


Makes

4 to 5 Servings

Ingredients

Meatloaf
500g Minced Lean Meat *Beef, Pork, Lamb OR Chicken
1 Onion *finely chopped
1 clove Garlic *finely chopped
1 cup coarsely grated OR chopped Vegetables *firmly packed
*Note: Today I used Carrot, Broccoli and Cauliflower. Other suggestions include Blanched Cabbage, Peas, Asparagus, Green Beans, Capsicum, Mushrooms, Cooked Rice, etc.
1 Egg
1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon Salt
Freshly Ground Pepper as required
Herbs of your choice *Today I added 1/4 cup finely chopped Parsley
1/4 cup grated Parmesan *optional

Mashed Potato
3 to 4 Potatoes *about 600g, peeled and cut to small pieces
1 tablespoon (15g) Butter
100ml Milk *alter the amount depending on the dryness of Potatoes
Salt & White Pepper

Method
  1. Preheat oven to 180℃. Oil a baking tray OR line with baking paper.
  2. All vegetables need to be coarsely grated OR finely chopped. Place the vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Add all other ingredients and mix well until evenly combined. Form the mixture into a log, packing firmly. Place the log on the prepared tray and shape it nicely.
  4. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes OR until cooked through.
  5. While the Meatloaf is baking in the oven, cook Mashed Potato. Place Potato pieces in a large saucepan and cover with COLD water. Add some Salt and cook until soft. Try over-cook them slightly whenever you cook mashes.
  6. Drain and return to the pot. Add Butter and mash, season with Salt & White Pepper as required, then add Milk and keep mashing until smooth.
  7. Place the baked Meatloaf on a serving plate, cover with the Mashed Potato. Decorate it as you like. Enjoy with your favourite sauce. *Note: I placed sautéed Mushrooms around the log in the above photo.