{Easy BBQ Meatloaf}

I have more elaborate recipes for meatloaf, but this Easy BBQ Meatloaf recipe is great for those days you don't have a game-plan.  You should already have most of the ingredients on-hand.  If not, they are inexpensive and quick to find.

Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice of flavor)
1 cup bread crumbs
2 tbs dried minced onion
1 tbs garlic powder
1 egg (slightly beaten)

Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.

Get your ground beef out of the fridge and let it warm up a bit.  (Don't worry, you aren't leaving it out for hours, you just don't want it to be super cold.  It's easier to mix when it's warmer.)

Meanwhile,  in a large bowl, mix BBQ sauce, bread crumbs, onion, garlic and egg until combined.  Add the ground beef.  Mix well.  I use my hands because it just gets everything incorporated better.

I usually just shape the meat into a loaf and bake on a jellyroll pan or cookie sheet that I have covered in foil.  However, you can also use a loaf pan.  Cook for 45-50 minutes, or until done.  Spread a little extra BBQ sauce on top and let sit for 5 minutes.

I have also made 4-6 mini meatloaves, reducing the cooking time to 20-25 minutes.

I like to serve with mashed potatoes and a green veggie.

Enjoy and thanks for stopping by!
Natosha

{Trying To Lose Weight? Me Too!}

I haven't been good at all regarding living a healthier lifestyle.  But better late than never, right?  Today I began on my goal to eat less processed foods and more home-made.  I cook all my meals from scratch already, but I do use processed foods.  I'm not starting all at once because that would be overwhelming and I would just end up quitting.

First, I've decided to curb my intake of processed carbs:  chips, crackers, breads, etc.  I am also not serving them to my 3 year old.  Man are we gonna miss the pretzels and Little Ceasar's bread sticks.  I pinned a couple of recipes for home-made cheese crackers a while back.  I plan on trying them soon and will let you know how they turn out.

My second goal is to drink water.  I hate water.  But I know it is good for me, so I'll drink it.

Third, I am going to eat breakfast, every day, at home.  I have developed a bad habit of leaving the house in a rush, dropping my son off at daycare and then heading to McDonald's.  I always get the large sweet iced tea and the $1 sausage breakfast burrito.  That's $2 per day ($40 per month) and 580 calories (280 from the tea) and 16 g of fat!  What I would rather spend $40 on:  jewelry, my son, savings.

Those are what I am starting with.  I downloaded the app for My Fitness Pal.  I use an Android device, but I am sure it's available for iPhone too.  There is also their website at:  www.myfitnesspal.com.  It is free to sign up.

I just really want to be healthy.  For myself and for my son and husband.  I am going to be 42 in May and I have a 3 year old.  I want to be around for him as long as possible.  I would like to see my grandchildren one day.

What are you doing to live a healthier lifestyle?  I would love to hear about it in the comments.

Thanks for stopping by,
Natosha

{Menu Monday} 2/18/13

Penne with Olive Garden (copy-cat) Alfredo Sauce with Chicken and Broccoli.

credit

Sourdough Waffles with Ham and Cheese and a side of scrambled eggs.


Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, garlic bread and a salad.


Easy BBQ Meatloaf with mashed potatoes, gravy and green peas.


Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup with crackers.


What are you having this week?

 I am linking up here today:







Thanks for stopping by,
Natosha