The Perfect Meatloaf Dinner in a Snap

I can't tell you how many times I have burned my meatloaf. I spend forever in the kitchen waiting for the meatloaf to be just right. I am afraid to leave the stove until it is done for fear of burning it again. Since I have discovered the invention of the crock-pot, however, all my troubles have been solved. I have kissed waiting in the kitchen for dinner to be done goodbye. Here is how I make my meatloaf dinner:

First, I gather the following ingredients: 1 pound of hamburger meat, garlic powder, onion powder, 1 egg, 1/4 cup of bread crumbs, 1 can of whole potatoes, 1 can of sliced carrots, 1 cup of water, ketchup, 1 jar of applesauce, sprinkles of cinnamon.

Second, I take out my crock-pot and a large mixing bowl.

Third, I begin by placing my hamburger meat in a large mixing bowl. I add 1 egg and 1/4 of a cup of breadcrumbs. Then I shake in onion powder and garlic powder to taste. I then mix it completely together. I place my meat mixture inside my crock-pot. I take a knife and spread ketchup over the top of my meatloaf for flavor and to keep it from burning. I add 1 cup of water to the bottom of my crock-pot to cook the potato's in. Last, I add a can of whole potatoes, spreading them out around the meatloaf.

Now it is time to set my crock-pot on low if and cook it for 8-10 hours. If you only have 4-5 hours until dinner set the crock-pot on high. I prefer to set mine up in the morning on low.

5 minutes before dinner I open my can of carrots and place them in a microwave safe bowl. I heat them on high for 3 minutes. While the carrots are cooking I open my jar of applesauce and pour it in to a serving dish and sprinkle with cinnamon.

When I'm ready for dinner I remove the potatoes from the crock-pot first. I Place the potatoes on the outside of a serving tray. Then I remove the meatloaf and place it in the middle of the serving tray. I cut it in to slices and serve.

Optional Steps:
The recipe I gave you is for a quick meal. If you have more time I would recommend cutting up an onion instead of using the onion powder. It gives the meatloaf more flavor. I also favor adding little chucks of green peppers in to the meatloaf.