Blue Plate Special Meat Loaf

Prep time : 30 minutes ... Cooking time :1 hour 11 minutes ... Makes 4 servings
2....................tablespoons butter or margarine
1 ....................mediun size yellow onion , finely chopped
1/2 .................medium-size stalk celery , finely chopped
1/4 .................cup finely chopped sweet green pepper
1 .....................clove garlic , minced
1 .....................egg
1 -1/4 ..............pounds ground beef chuck
1/2 .................cup ketchup
1/3 .................cup plain dry bread crumbs
1 ....................teaspoon salt
1/2 .................teaspoon black pepper

1) Preheat oven to 350*F . In a large skillet over moderate heat , melt butter . Add onion , celery and green pepper and saute , stirring occasionally , until almost tender ... about 5 minutes . Add garlic and saute , stirring occasionally until vegetables are tender but not brown ... about 1 minute more ; set aside .

2) In a large bowl , beat egg slightly . Add ground beef , 1/4 cup of the ketchip , bread crumbs , salt , black pepper and sauteed vegetables .

3) Using your hands , mix lightly , turn into ungreased 8"x8"x2" baking dish , and shape into a loaf about 6 inches long by 4 -1/4 inches wide .

4) Bake , uncovered , for 45 minutes . Brush top with the remaining 1/4 cup ketchup and bake until an instan-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the loaf registers 160*F ... About 20 minutes more . Remove pan to a rack for 10 minutes before serving .

Heart healthy and good for all kids ... young or old .