How to Make Applesauce Meat Loaf

Meat loaf is a dish that originated in Germany and has been prepared in America for decades. The name "meat loaf" comes from its bread-like appearance after being baked. It became popular in the United States during the Great Depression, when it was prepared to save money and stretch a meager food budget. Today, many different variations exist and remain popular throughout the country. This recipe yields approximately 4 to 6 servings of applesauce meat loaf, which has a slightly sweet taste and a light texture.

Things You'll Need

• 1 medium onion 1 medium bell pepper Mixing bowl 2 lbs. ground beef 1 lb. pork sausage 24 oz. applesauce 1½ tsp. ginger Kosher salt Ground black pepper 1 (16 oz.) bag unseasoned croutons 9" x 13" baking pan

Instructions

1. Rinse and finely chop the onion and bell pepper and put them in a mixing bowl. Add the ground beef, pork sausage, applesauce and ginger. Season lightly with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Add the croutons to the meat mixture and stir to combine. Transfer the mixture to a 9" x 13" ungreased baking pan and spread out evenly.

3. Place the baking pan into the oven and bake the applesauce meat loaf for 45 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and pour off any excess grease. Replace the pan in the oven.

4. Bake the applesauce meat loaf for an additional 45 minutes and remove. Pour off any excess grease and cut into thick slices. Serve immediately or refrigerate for sandwiches the following day.

Tips & Warnings

• To reduce fat and calories, use ground turkey instead of ground beef. A large loaf pan may be used instead of the baking pan if desired, to result in a more traditionally shaped meat loaf.

References

• The National Firefighters Recipe Book; Debee, Candice DeBarr, Louis A. Depasquale, Kevin Hedgpeth, Mark Woodruff; 1993