Best Ever Meat Loaf

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In 1916 Campbell's published "Help for the Hostess," the first cookbook to use canned soup as an ingredient. This succulent meat loaf made its debut in the first edition and it's been going strong ever since. Here is an up-to-date version with 4 popular versions. For more recipes using canned soups, see my section on Cooking with Condensed Soups

INGREDIENTS

1 (10-3/4-ounce) can Campbell's Condensed Cream of Mushroom or Golden Mushroom
    Soup
2 pounds ground beef
1/2 cup fine dry breadcrumbs
1 egg, slightly beaten
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup water

Mix thoroughly 1/2 cup soup, beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, and salt. Shape firmly into an 8 x 4-inch loaf; place in a shallow baking pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

In a saucepan, blend remaining soup, water, and 2 to 3 tablespoons drippings. Heat, stirring occasionally. Serve with meat loaf.

Makes 6 to 8 servings

FROSTED MEAT LOAF - Prepare loaf as directed above; bake for 1 hour. Frost loaf with 4 cups mashed potatoes; sprinkle with shredded Cheddar cheese. Bake 15 minutes more.

SWEDISH MEAT LOAF - Add 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg to loaf. Blend remaining soup with 1/3 cup sour cream; omit drippings and water. Serve over loaf; sprinkle with additional nutmeg. Garnish with thinly sliced cucumber.

MEAT LOAF WELLINGTON - Refrigerated Crescent Rolls. Prepare loaf as above. Bake at 375 degrees for 1 hour. Spoon off fat. Separate 1 (8-ounce) package refrigerated crescent dinner rolls; place crosswise over top and down sides of meat loaf, overlapping slightly. Bake 15 minutes more.

PATTY SHELLS - Thaw 1 (10-ounce) package frozen patty shells. Prepare loaf as above. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes. Spoon off fat. Increase oven temperature to 400 degrees.

On a floured board, roll 5 patty shells into a 12 x 8-inch rectangle; prick several times with a fork. Cover top and sides of loaf with pastry. Decorate top with remaining patty shell, rolled and cut into fancy shapes. Bake 45 minutes more or until golden brown. Serve with sauce.