Homemade meatloaf meal sure to fill you up

Meatloaf, mashed potatoes with old-fashioned gravy and steamed vegetables -- what a great homemade substantial supper.

And the wonderful aroma while the meatloaf bakes really gets you ready for dinner. This is one meal that really pleases my family and no one goes away from the table hungry.

If you're not in the mood for gravy, creamed potatoes also go well with the meatloaf.

Meatloaf and Gravy

1 1/2 pounds ground beef

3/4 cup soft bread crumbs

1/2 cup Ketchup

2 tablespoons creamed horseradish sauce

1 egg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 cup thinly sliced mushrooms

2 tablespoons minced onion

1 tablespoon butter

1 cup beef broth

2 tablespoons water

1 tablespoon cornstarch

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, Ketchup, creamy horseradish sauce, egg, salt and pepper; mix well. Shape into an 8x4-inch loaf pan. Bake for one hour or until done. Cook until internal temperature measures 160 degrees. The meat should be well done, with no trace of pink. Remove from oven, and allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

While the meatloaf is resting, prepare the gravy. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms and onions; cook and stir until tender. Add beef broth; simmer for five minutes, stirring occasionally. Combine water and cornstarch in a small cup; stir into broth. Cook and stir for one minute, or until thickened.

Oven-Creamed Potatoes

2 cups chopped onions

2/3 cup chopped green pepper

1/2 cup celery

1/2 cup butter

6 tablespoons flour

4 cups milk

2 teaspoons salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

6 cups cubed, cooked potatoes

1 cup cheddar cheese

Cook onions, green pepper and celery in butter until soft (do not brown). Stir in flour. Add milk and cook, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil and is thickened. Stir in salt and pepper. Place potatoes in a greased 3-quart casserole. Pour sauce over top. Top with cheese. Bake in moderate oven, 350 degrees, until hot and bubbly, about 30 minutes. Serves 10.

Ham and Cheese Snacks

3-ounce package cream cheese, softened

3 bagels, split

3 ounces thinly sliced fully cooked ham

4 ounces cheddar cheese, thinly sliced

6 slices tomatoes

1/4 cup pineapple tidbits

1/4 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

Spread cream cheese over cut sides of bagels. Place on ungreased baking sheet with cream cheese side up. Layer ham and cheese over cream cheese. Top with the pineapple and parsley. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

GARY'S TIP: Use a melon baller to scoop out seeds and membranes from green peppers.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Children may close their ears to advice, but they keep their eyes open to examples.