This is an old family recipe with a touch of Californian flare.
INGREDIENTS (for 8 servings):
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 cup quick cooking oats, or as needed
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- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons brown mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid mesquite smoke flavoring
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
PREPARATION:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with aluminum foil.
In a large bowl, mix the beef, onion, green bell pepper, celery, eggs, soy sauce, and ketchup. Season with basil, parsley, oregano, garlic powder, and 2 teaspoons pepper. Mix in 1/2 cup oats. Gradually mix in remaining oats 1/4 cup at a time until the beef mixture is firm but not stiff. Transfer to the prepared baking pan, and form into a loaf shape.
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, ketchup, brown mustard, mesquite smoke flavoring, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and paprika. Drizzle evenly over the meat loaf.
Bake meat loaf 1 hour in the preheated oven, or to a minimum temperature of 160 degrees F (72 degrees F).