THE BEST MEATLOAF EVER


1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
2 eggs, beaten
1 envelope dry onion soup mix
1 Tbsp. ketchup
1 Tbsp. prepared mustard
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. bottled Italian dressing
2 tsp. soy sauce
1/2 c. shredded carrots
1/2 c. finely chopped celery
2-3 slices of bread, crusts removed and cut into small pieces
about 1/2 cup of milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place the bread pieces in a small bowl, and cover with just enough milk so all bread is covered and milk is fully absorbed. Let stand a few minutes. In a large bowl, combine all other ingredients, mixing thoroughly. Add the bread last, and mix carefully to distribute the bread evenly. Form into a loaf and place in the oven.* Bake for an hour to an hour and 15 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.

*Most people use a loaf pan to make a meatloaf. We like to use a small broiler pan, which I've sprayed lightly with cooking spray. This way, the meatloaf isn't sitting in the fat when it is done cooking.