Meatloaf cooks nicely with the combination setting. I used a similar recipe in some of my summer classes. Even my granddaughter, who thought she did not like meatloaf, found it very tasty. Precooking the onion and garlic is easy in the microwave and gives a mellow flavor. Paper toweling under the meatloaf, absorbs much of the fat during cooking.
FAVORITE MEATLOAF
1/3 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon water
2 slices day-old bread, crumbled
1/3 cup milk
2 tablespoons catsup
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 lb. ground beef (85-90%)
Topping:
4 tablespoons catsup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1. Combine onion, garlic and water in microwave dish. MICROWAVE (100%) about 60 seconds or until onion is partially cooked. Set aside. Preheat microwave-convection oven to 375 degrees.
2. Mix together bread and milk; let stand 5 minutes. Mix in catsup, egg, salt, paprika and pepper. Crumble in ground beef; mix well. Mix in partially cooked onion mixture. Place 3 layers paper toweling in shallow silicone baking dish, folding under edges so it just lines the bottom of the dish. (No paper toweling hangs over sides of dish.) Shape meat mixture into loaf shape; place on toweling in baking dish. Spread with remaining tablespoon catsup; sprinkle with brown sugar. Insert microwave-convection oven thermometer, if desired.
3. COMBO-ROAST with 30% microwave and 375 degrees for 20 to 22 minutes or until meat is cooked, thermometer registers 150 degrees. Let stand 10 minutes; carefully remove paper toweling and discard.
About 4 Servings
TIPS
>Prepare and shape meatloaf ahead and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw before cooking as directed.
>Leftover meatloaf can be heated by microwaving 2 to 3 minutes. Or, serve chilled in meatloaf sandwiches.
>For two meatloaves, divide mixture into 2 loaves. Place in shallow baking pan or in two mini loaf pans. Reduce time to 18 to 20 minutes. If cooking just one meatloaf, add a potato along side and combo roast 20 to 22 minutes.