Meatloaf is something that we never had when I was growing up. I don’t know why, but mum just didn’t make it. I thought it must have been a bit harder to make than a lot of other dishes so avoided it after moving into my own home.  After making this meatloaf I’m happy to announce we’ll be eating it more often. It was so easy to make, took barely any time to put together and the kids loved using their hands to mix all the ingredients together. I believe it’s a humble but cheap and cheerful dinner and best served with mashed potato and peas.  The leftovers can be used to make meatloaf sandwiches. Delicious!

While the oven is still hot you can quickly prepare a yummy Chocolate Self Saucing Pudding for dessert.

Prep: 10 minutes

Cook: 60 minutes

Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 400 g minced beef
• 250 g prepared lentils (approx 100 – 125g soaked overnight)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, grated
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 egg, whisked
• 1 1/2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
• 2 tsp worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200C and grease and line a loaf tin.
2. Add all the ingredients to a large bowl and mix well (you can use a spoon or ask the kids to give you a helping hand).
3. Spoon the mixture into your prepared tin and level the top.
4. Bake for 60 minutes or until cooked through and browned.
5. Drain the juices from the tin and leave the meatloaf to sit for 5 minutes before serving.