Meat loaf

I know that meat loaf isn't the most glamorous of meals....but it is a family favorite. And this recipe is easy and de-lish if you like a good old fashioned meat loaf.....topped with ketchup and all.

1 lb lean ground beef
1 clove garlic or 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1 small onion
2 slices bread with crust
1/4 cup milk
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp chopped fresh or 1/4 tsp dried sage leaves
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground mustard
1/8 tsp pepper
1 egg
1/3 cup ketchup, chili sauce or barbecue sauce

1. Heat oven to 350. Break up the beef into small pieces in a large bowl, using a fork or spoon.

2. Peel and finely chop the garlic. Peel the onion, and chop enough of the onion into small pieces to measure 3 Tbs. Add the garlic and onion to the beef.

3. Tear the bread into small pieces and add to beef mixture.

4. Add the milk, Worcestershire sauce, sage, salt, mustard, pepper and egg to the beef mixture. Mix with a fork, large spoon or your hands until the ingredients are well mixed.

5. Place the beef mixture in the ungreased baking pan. Almost any size pan will work: just be sure the pan has sides on it to catch the juices that will accumulate while the meat loaf bakes. Shape the mixture into the 8x4 inch loaf and spread ketchup over the top.

6. Bake uncovered 50 or 60 min or until beef in center of loaf is no longer pink. A meat thermometer inserted in the center of the loaf should read 160. Let the loaf stand 5 min, so it will be easier to remove from the pan. Cut the loaf into slices.