Instructions: Living in the South, we look for ways to avoid turning on a hot oven in the summer time. This was my mother-in-laws recipe, and I sometimes add or take away ingredients according to what items are on hand. Ive even grated a carrot into the meat mixture, just to get a few extra veggies into my meat and potatoes loving grandkids! So live dangerously and experiment with this recipe. You may surprise yourself with a wonderful dish, with that personal touch.

1 lb. hamburger
1 med. chopped onion
1 cup (more or less) crushed cracker crumbs, or bread crumbs 1/4 cup Bell pepper
1 egg
1/4 cup catsup
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all the above. If too dry to stick together, add a little milk. Divide meat mixture. Pat into two small loaves. Carefully roll or sprinkle flour on all sides. In a deep fry pan, lightly brown loaves, one at a time, in about 1 inch hot oil. Using a large spatula, carefully remove from the pan onto a platter.

Brown about 3 heaping tablespoons flour in the pan drippings. Now stir in a pint of stewed tomatoes, add water as needed to make a smooth gravy, and season with salt and pepper. Gently place the meat loaves into the tomato gravy, cover pan and cook on a low heat for about 30 to 45 minutes. Serve with creamed potatoes or cooked rice. This will be one of the most moist meat loaves youve ever put into your mouth.

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