Southwest Meatloaf and a Book Review

This meatloaf is made with crushed tortilla chips and salsa instead of breadcrumbs and ketchup giving it an amazing southwest flavor.

I was inspired to make this meatloaf after reading Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli for our Lit Happens Book Club.

Amy of Amy's Cooking Adventures is hosting our Lit Happens this month.  Amy is a librarian in a Catholic Elementary School and chose for us a young adult novel that I enjoyed very much.

You don't have to be a blogger to join us over at Lit Happens.  There is no requirement to make a recipe for any of the books we read. That is just something I do.  The members take turns choosing a book each month and posting discussion questions that we answer as we find time.

Stargirl is being made into a film that will be available on Disney +.  I don't have Disney + so I don't know if I will get a chance to watch it, but I would love to see it.

The novel is set in a small town in Arizona.  It is narrated by Leo a high school student who tells the story of a young lady who moves to town and goes by the name Stargirl.  Stargirl is not your normal teenager.  Stargirl cares deeply about others.  She buys gifts.  She carries around her ukulele and serenades other students on their birthdays.  

She is a novelty and at first most of the students are enchanted by her.  But there is always a mean girl in high school and this school is no different.  Stargirl rises to fame when she is thought to be the impetus for a great basketball season.  Stargirl falls hard when she not only cheers for the other team but offers care to one of the opponents when he is hurt.  

The school shuns her completely and those few students who don't soon find themselves shunned as well.  

At one point in the book, Leo has dinner at Stargirl's house.  Her mom and dad, who are completely normal, according to Leo, serve meatloaf for dinner.  

I don't want to give away any spoilers but suffice it to say that this book has been required reading for some students and I think that is a good thing.  This is a great book to read with your kids, it can lead to a lot of great dinner table discussion.

And while you're at the dinner table why not serve up some of this amazingly tasty Southwest Meatloaf.  You will be glad you did.

I am also linking up at Foodies Read.  If you are a foodie who loves to read you are going to want to check out this site.

#beef, #meatloaf, #southwestflavors,

Entrees, Beef

Southwestern

Yield: 4 servings

Author: Wendy Klik

Southwest Meatloaf

prep time: 15 Mcook time: 1 hourtotal time: 1 H & 15 M

This meatloaf is made with crushed tortilla chips and salsa instead of breadcrumbs and ketchup giving it an amazing southwest flavor.

ingredients:

• 1/3 c. finely crushed tortilla chips
• 1/2 t. cumin
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/3 c. salsa of choice
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 T. barbecue sauce of choice 

instructions:

How to cook Southwest Meatloaf

1. Stir together the tortilla chips, salsa, cumin, salt, pepper and garlic in a large bowl.  Let stand for few minutes until moisture is absorbed.
2. Add the ground beef, cheese and egg to the bowl and, using clean hands, mix until well combined.
3. Place into a loaf pan and bake in a preheated 350* oven for 50 minutes. Remove the meatloaf from the loaf pan using a slotted spatula so all drippings are left behind.  Place onto a baking sheet and top with the barbecue sauce.  Return to the oven for another 10.  Let rest for a few minutes before cutting.

NOTES:

Adapted from a recipe found in Southern Living.

Calories
476.25

Fat (grams)
30.98

Sat. Fat (grams)
13.23

Carbs (grams)
8.10

Fiber (grams)
0.70

Net carbs
7.40

Sugar (grams)
3.93

Protein (grams)
39.34

Sodium (milligrams)
633.60

Cholesterol (grams)
175.39

https://adayinthelifeonthefarm.blogspot.com/2020/02/southwest-meatloaf-and-book-review.html

Property of A Day in the Life on the Farm

Created using The Recipes Generator