The other day I saw this recipe on the Mr. Food site.



It's plain meatloaf that you bread in panko crumbs and pan fry until crisp in a cup of oil. And I appreciate that they didn't fool around pretending it could be baked in the oven to save calories. Not saying it couldn't be, but the fried version is probably better. If you were going to bake it, put it on a rack set in a shallow baking pan so you don't end up with a soggy side.


Crispy Fried Meat Loaf, Mr. Food

2 pounds ground beef
1 1/2 cups fresh bread crumbs
2 eggs
1/2 cup water
2/3 cup ketchup, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

COATING
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups Panko bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup vegetable oil


Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9- x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine beef, bread crumbs, eggs, water, 1/3 cup ketchup, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; mix well. Place mixture in prepared dish and shape into loaf. Spread remaining ketchup over top. Bake 60 to 70 minutes, or until no longer pink in the center. Let cool, then refrigerate at least 2 hours. Slice cold meat loaf into 3/4-inch slices.

To make the coating, place flour in a shallow dish; place eggs in another shallow dish and lightly beat. Combine Panko bread crumbs, salt, and pepper in a third shallow dish. Coat a slice of meat loaf on both sides with flour, then egg, and finally with bread crumbs.
In a large skillet, heat oil until hot. Fry a few slices at a time 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel-lined platter and serve.

Here is another Mr. Food Recipe that has potential.



French Onion Bake, Mr. Food

1 loaf French bread, cut into 1/2-inch slices
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese
1 envelope onion soup mix (from a 2.75-ounce box), prepared according to package directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Arrange bread slices on baking sheets and bake 5 minutes per side, or until dry and golden.

Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9- x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Arrange half the bread slices in a single layer over bottom of baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup cheese and top with remaining bread slices. Pour prepared onion soup over bread and sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until bread has absorbed most of the soup and cheese is golden.