Joanna's Meat Loaf (Magnolia Table)

 Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons salted butter
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion, to taste
• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 sleeve (4 oz) saltines, crushed
• 1 1/2 cups grated Cheddar cheese
• 2 large eggs; beaten
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 Tablespoons ketchup

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. 

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the onion and sauce until translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. 

In a large bowl, combine the beef, cooled onion, saltine crumbs, Cheddar, eggs, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix the ingredients together until well blended. Try to keep a light touch and not overwork the mixture. 

On a 9 x 13 inch or other large baking pan, form the mixture into a roughly 6 x 9 inch loaf. 

Drizzle the ketchup down the center of the loaf and brush it over the top to cover. 

Bake until firm, about 1 hour. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm. 

Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 

Enjoy! 

Makes 4 to 6 servings.