Southwestern Meat Loaf

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Southwestern Meat Loaf can be ready for the oven in only 15 minutes. Different from your usual recipe, this version is made with salsa, raisins, spices, and almonds. Top with additional salsa and hot sauce for the spice lovers in your family. Pair with a fresh tossed salad to complete your meal.

ingredients

• 1 slightly beaten egg
• 3/4 cup soft bread crumbs (1 slice bread)
• 3/4 cup salsa
• 1/3 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup finely chopped almonds, toasted
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1/4 cup salsa
• Salsa (optional)

directions

1. In a large bowl stir together the egg, bread crumbs, the 3/4 cup salsa, the raisins, almonds, onion, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and cloves. Add ground beef; mix well. In a shallow baking pan pat meat mixture into an 8x4x2-inch oval loaf. (Or, pat meat mixture into an 8x4x2-inch loaf pan.) Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 1 hour.
2. Drain off fat. Insert a meat thermometer into center of loaf. Spoon the 1/4 cup salsa over meat loaf. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes more or until thermometer registers 160 degree F. Transfer meat loaf to a serving platter. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
3. To serve, slice meat loaf with a thin-bladed serrated knife. If desired, serve meat loaf with additional salsa. Makes 6 servings.