Crockpot Meatloaf

3 1/2ish pounds of ground beef
2 eggs
1 1/4 cups of breadcrumbs (you could use crushed crackers or even oatmeal)
1/4 cup worchestershire sauce
2-3 Tbsp seasoned salt (whatever type you prefer)
1 tsp cumin
1/2 large onion chopped very thinly (thick peices make the loaf fall apart)
8 oz cheese
Buttermilk as needed for moisture (sometimes the meat is dry and needs it)

Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl except cheese then divide in half. Tear off about 2 feet of aluminum foil and tear in half long ways. Roll the two peices until you have strings (not too tight, you want them to be a little thick) put the "strings" in the bottom of the crock pot as a rack to hold the meatloaf out of the grease a little.

Flatten one half of the meatloaf so it will fit in the crockpot. (I do this on wax paper to make it easier to put in the crockpot) Make a little "ditch" in the middle and put the cheese in. It can be shredded or in slices-whatever you prefer. I've never used cubes but I can't see why it won't work. Pat out the other half of the meat and place on top of the first to cover the cheese. Pinch all around the sides to seal the cheese in and place in the crockpot on top of the aluminum foil. Drizzle the sauce from the previous post on top of the meatloaf. Put the lid on and turn the crockpot on high. It takes about 4 1/2 hours to cook completely. Then turn off the crockpot, take the lid off and let it sit for 30 minutes before you slice. (very important to keep it moist and in one piece)

Tips, Tricks, Hints & Thoughts:
My philosophy on meatloaf (soups & stews too) is to put whatever is in the fridge in it. I use whatever I have on hand to make it. I once added chopped raisins and mushrooms and it was awesome (adapted from a hamburger recipe from Rachel Ray I think) So add whatever you want.

Seasonings are a matter of taste. You can add any seasonings you like to most anything. Meatloaf is no exception. I add different spices depending on my mood. This is just a good basic recipe.

I have 2 crockpots that I use. One is a 7 quart that I made this meatloaf in and the other is I think 3 1/2 qts. I have a large family so the 7 quarts are needed to make a main dish for the family. I use the smaller one for side dishes. The big savings come with using the crockpot instead of the oven. The crockpot costs about 2 cents per hour.

I always buy meat on sale in bulk when at all possible. It has to be at least a dollar off the usual price before I buy meat. This keeps my budget in check for those times when I have to pay full price.

If you like using the crockpot check out this blog
http://www.crockpot365.blogspot.com
She has been using her crockpot everyday for almost a year now and is posting her recipes and result on her site. There are a few that I want to try. Not all are frugal but most sound yummy.

Sauce for meatloaf

I found a recipe for a "ketchup" to put on top of a meatloaf while it bakes. By the time I got around to making the sauce I didn't remember the exact recipe and didn't have all the things I remembered being used. So I created my own adaptation from that memory. It is a bit like what goes into baked beans and is ohh so yummy!

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup mustard
4 Tbsp Worstershire sauce

Mix together and spread on top of meatloaf before you bake!

Country Biscuits

2 cups plain flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup shortening or butter
1 cup buttermilk or sour milk

Mix flour, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Cut in shortening or butter then mix in milk until just mixed. Turn out onto floured surface and knead gently about 10 times then let sit for about 10 minutes. Pat out to about 1/2 inch thickness and cut with biscuit cutter of glass. Bake at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes.