Insert-Disc is not a cooking blog nor will it ever be. However, we can always take a break from our regularly scheduled programming in order to contribute to something important in the blogosphere. Learning to cook is a fundamental aspect of the #otakumanup process. True men should be able to satisfy their hunger and serve food to others without the help of little girls. While becoming a gourmand as if a character in Oishinbo is not necessary, everyone should be able to at least prepare a few dishes.

Normally meatloaf is almost considered a joke food item, and a cliche joke is to make reference to “mother’s meatloaf” that one has to eat. But what is a meatloaf was prepared in such a way as be an awesome-loaf? While your taste may vary, here is a meatloaf recipe that I adore. I’ve starting cooking it ever since trying to replicate the loaf at Canyon Cafe, and have been excited about loaves of meat in ways I never thought possible.

The Legend of Meat: A Loaf to the Past

Equipment:

Large Bowl, 13×9 Pan

Ingredients:

2.5 pounds beef or bison
2 eggs
Crackers (I used 20 wheat Ritz)
Barbecue Sauce (I like to try different flavours, so just pick one you like)
Worcestershire Sauce
Catsup
Bacon
Bell Pepper
Spices*
Courage and Guts

*For my spices, I chose paprika, garlic, sea salt, black pepper, jalapeno dust, and cayenne

COOK IT UP:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahreinheit

Obtain large bowl to put the following into: meat, diced bell pepper, two eggs, finely crushed crackers, and spices. Also pour some sauces- about 1/3 cup of BBQ, a couple tablespoons each for the Worcestershire and Catsup. A lot of people like to add a whole lot more catsup, so you may do so. I prefer the emphasis on the barbecue sauce.

Mash all those together until thoroughly mixed. You can use a spoon, but it is much easier to use your hands. When this is done, you have options for cooking. The easiest way is to just spread it all out into the pan like a traditional meatloaf. One cool way to do it, though, is to make patties out of the mixture. Either way, put the meat in the pan. Drizzle more barbecue sauce on top that will make a delicious coating and throw some slices of bacon on top.

Throw that in the oven for about an hour. Take it out of the oven and it should be done! Before serving, I recommend cutting it into pieces and laying them in a pan for a bit to cook on top of the stove. Just leave each piece several seconds to make it crispy on all sides. It is a nice touch for your meatloaf. I suggest eating it with corn and au gratin potatoes.

This food item is less about visual appeal

Not the world’s fanciest recipe, but I believe this could be helpful to those wanting to cook something tasty that is simple and doesn’t use too many ingredients. It is very flexible, as you can experiment with different sauces, spices, and crackers. My family has never been enthusiastic about meatloaf until we started doing it like this. A single person should be able to get several meals out of this for not that much effort. Have fun cooking!

[And with that, I am off to enjoy some meatloaf]

More of a man than you.