Prize-Winning Meat Loaf

1 1/2 lbs. lean ground beef

1 C. tomato juice

3/4 C. Quaker Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)

1 egg or 2 egg whites, lightly beaten

1/4 C. chopped onion

1/2 t. salt (optional)

1/4 t. pepper

Heat oven to 350. Combine all ingredients; mix lightly but thoroughly. Pat into 8-by-4-inch loaf pan. Bake one hour or until meat is no longer pink and juices run clear. Drain; let stand five minutes before serving.

Makes 8 servings.

Mix-ins:

Customize meat loaf by adding one of the following mix-ins with meat loaf ingredients; proceed as directed above.

1/2 C. frozen (thawed) or canned corn (drained)

1/2 C. chopped red or green bell pepper

One 2.5-oz. jar sliced mushrooms, drained

1/3 C. grated Parmesan cheese

2 T. finely chopped parsley or cilantro

Toppings:

Sprinkle with one cup shredded cheese after removing meat loaf from oven and draining; let stand five minutes before serving.

Spoon ready-prepared spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce, or salsa over each serving.