Meatloaf Stuffed Bell Peppers

So growing up, meatloaf was one of my favorite meals.  For me, it didn't get much better than a nice slice of meatloaf with a little bit of ketchup on top, and a heaping spoonful of mashed potatoes with corn (mixed together, of course).  I didn't think there was a way to top traditional meatloaf, so I didn't even try.

Then I met Mr. Geek Squad.  Apparently, traditional meatloaf in his family is stuffed in bell peppers.  I'll be honest, I was pretty skeptical.  But I thought I'd humor him and give it a try, because I'm an awesome girlfriend like that.  I was expecting a big pile of meat on top of mushy bell pepper.  Suffice it to say, my hopes were not too high.

Well ladies and gentlemen, I am telling you right now I was wrong.  I discovered a way to top traditional meatloaf, and I am here to share the secret with you.  Are you excited?

Good.  Let's get started.

Ingredients:

1 lb hamburger

1 egg

2/3 c. oatmeal (approx.)

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1/4 small onion, chopped (approx)

Mustard (to taste)

Ketchup (to taste)

Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste

3 bell peppers (medium sized)

**If you have your own favorite meatloaf recipe, feel free to use that.  You won't hurt my feelings, promise**

Mix hamburger with egg, oatmeal, garlic, onion, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and whatever the heck else you feel like adding into your meatloaf.  Usually I add a little Worcestershire sauce, but Mr. Geek Squad didn't have any and you know what?  I didn't miss it.  Basically, you cannot mess up meatloaf.  Add whatever sounds good to you.  But when you mix it, you must mix it with your hands.  That is mandatory, okay?

Now, it is time to deal with the peppers.  First, group them together so they look all cute and take a picture for your blog.  Oh wait, not everyone plays with their food before they eat it?  Silly me.

Cut those bell peppers in half lengthwise.  Place them in baking dish that you've sprayed with some non stick cooking spray.  My peppers were a little squished in there, but I deal with limited resources at Mr. Geek Squad's house, and being squished in the dish did not affect the flavor at all. 

Split up the meatloaf between the 6 pepper halves.  Make sure the little pepper boats are full, but not TOO full.  If they are too full, the peppers will be less crisp.  I made that mistake the first time I made them.  Bake them in a 350* oven for 30-35 min.  

That's what they look like when they are done.  Delicious, right? Make sure you cut into the middle of the biggest one to ensure the meat is fully cooked.  This isn't steak tartare, okay?

Serve with mashed potatoes and corn.  It's basically mandatory that you eat meatloaf with mashed potatoes and corn.  I'm pretty sure it's a law actually.  Look it up if you don't believe me. 

I hope you all have enjoyed this edition of cooking with Just A Girl.  Please let me know if you try this recipe and what you think of it.  I think it's a nice twist on meatloaf AND stuffed peppers, and honestly I like this a lot better than the traditional stuffed peppers.  Just sayin'.

~Just A Girl~