Home Cookin': Meatloaf & Tuna and Noodles

I know I've mentioned at least a gazillion times before (like here and here) that food is the way to my heart. It really is. There's no fooling anyone here. I'm simple like that. Feed me and I will love you forever. So it's probably no surprise that one of the things I miss about living with my parents is the food. Mmm-mmm, do I miss me some home cookin'. Oh Lawd, some mashed potatoes and gravy would do me just fine (sorry, I've been reading The Help).

Speaking of mashed potatoes, nothing goes better with a mountain of fluffy white taters than a slab of moist, savory meatloaf. I'm talking real meatloaf here, not like the turkey and quinoa variety. Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food, and no matter how many recipes I try, it doesn't get much better than my mom's. It's not gourmet by any means, but that's probably what makes it so perfect. For anyone wanting a tried and true meatloaf recipe, here's how she does it:

Mom's Meatloaf

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs. ground beef
3/4 cup ketchup
1 cup bread crumbs
1 egg
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 tsp. Morton's Nature's Seasons Seasoning Blend

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix all ingredients together and transfer mixture into a loaf pan.
3. Place in oven and cook for 1 hour.
4. Drain grease and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Slice and serve.  

Photo Credit

And then there's tuna and noodles. Seriously, tuna AND noodles. Does it get much better than that? I swear I haven't had this in years, but I can taste it right now. It's another great comfort food that I miss terribly, and my mom does it just right:

Mom's Tuna and Noodles

Ingredients:

1 large can albacore tuna, drained
1 bag egg noodles
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 green bell peppers, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cook the bag of egg noodles according to the directions on the package. Drain.
2. Transfer the noodles back to the pan and add the cream of mushroom, tuna, and bell pepper.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook over low to medium heat for about 5 minutes.
5. Serve and enjoy!

My mom and I like the crunch and flavor of the green bell pepper, but you can substitute peas for the bell pepper if you like.  You can also serve this as a casserole. Just transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle some cheese and bread crumbs on top, and place in a 350 degree oven for about 25 minutes.

Photo Credit

If you're feeling like some good ol' mid-western comfort food, as I like to call it, try out these recipes and let me know what you think.