Southwestern Meatloaf

1-2 tablespoon cooking oil for frying

½ medium size onion finely diced

1/3 cup diced green pepper…you can use whatever color you have or combination

1/3 cup diced celery

1 jalapeño pepper finely diced, seeds removed

1 tablespoon minced garlic

Add oil to medium size frying pay, I used my #4 Griswold.  Heat oil and add diced onions.  Fry until golden, add the peppers and celery, cook until tender.  Turn off heat and add garlic, stir.  Set aside and cool.

1 ½ pound hamburger

¾ cup bread crumbs, soda crackers or oatmeal….which ever you have handy

2 eggs and 2 tablespoons milk lightly beaten together

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper

1 teaspoon chili powder

Medium sized bowl add rest of the ingredients, mix well.  Let sit until onion mix has cooled.  When cooled add to the meat mixture, mix well.  Shape and put in an oven proof pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for at least 1 hour and 15 minute. For the last 10 or 15 minutes cover meat loaf with your favorite topping.  For this one I used Pepper Jack Cheese and served with Taco Sauce .