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Okay, let's face it ladies! The holidays are upon us and if you're like me with a thriving or soon to be thriving home business, kids at home and a busy busy schedule that's about to get much more busy, we need all the help we can get as far as time saving tips. This time of the year is also meatloaf weather and I loved this article by Dar that combines time saving with yumminess! Enjoy!
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Imagine having several meals already prepared -- and spending less than an hour preparing them!

That's exactly what you can do with the following recipe. Simply double or triple the ingredients, then separate into several meals.

Here are some of the scrumptious meals you can create in no time, using the meatloaf recipe below.

* Chili
* Tacos
* Meatloaf
* Meatball sandwich
* Spaghetti & meatballs in red sauce
* Cabbage rolls (just add a bit of rice)
* Swedish meatballs in cream sauce
* Hamburger patties with brown gravy
* Meatballs simmered in crockpot with BBQ sauce/onions

And here's the recipe that will make your life so much easier...

Multipurpose Meatloaf Mix

2 eggs
salt/pepper
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup oatmeal
1 T. Worcestershire Sauce
2 lbs. ground beef or chuck
1/2 cup minced or chopped onion

Mix above ingredients in large mixing bowl. Can be microwaved or cooked in oven (see below.)

Meatloaf Topping:

* Catsup
* Make a simple brown gravy mix from a packet.
* Use BBQ Sauce with a touch of brown sugar and brown mustard.

Microwave Directions:
(For a single batch)

Microwave meatloaf on high (wrap lightly with waxed paper) approx. 15 minutes. Drain, then top with your choice of sauce or gravy. Microwave another 3-5 minutes.

Oven Directions:

Cover meatloaf with foil and bake approx. 50-60 minutes. Drain, then top with your choice of sauce or gravy. Bake another 5-10 minutes.

** Will feed approx. 5 people
** You can use low-fat versions of items, too.

A triple batch will make the following:

* 1 medium-sized meatloaf
* 2 meatball meals (Swedish, Red Sauce)

Note: While meatloaf is cooking, I make meatballs with my handy-dandy large ice-cream scoop (the one with the small, moving part that escorts the meat out of the scoop for you.) It will save your wrist and is so much quicker.

Cook meatballs until just done. Store in an airtight container in fridge. If freezing, be sure to cool them first. They can be frozen before or after cooking.

Having such a flexible recipe will make your meal planning and preparation much easier. And isn't it great to save a bit of time, while saving money, too? Enjoy!

Article Source: http://www.ladypens.com - Articles by Women

© 2005 Darlene Arechederra Resource Box Darlene Arechederra is the creator of the Stay-at-Home Bootcamp -- for women of two-income households who'd love to return home to their children. Women who dream of affordably staying home with their kids are invited to take the FREE Quiz today at Afford To Stay Home Quiz affordtostayhome.com/quiz.html