Recipe: World's Best Meatloaf (using soft bread crumbs, vegetables and nutmeg)

WORLD'S BEST MEATLOAF

1 1/2 cups soft bread fresh crumbs (white or whole wheat)
1 1/2 lb ground beef (or ground turkey or pork and beef)
3/4 cup finely chopped celery
3/4 cup finely chopped carrot
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 egg, beaten
1 1/2 teaspoons salt (optional or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground sage
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can condensed cream of tomato soup, divided use*

Mix together all ingredients except the soup. Add half of the undiluted soup and mix everything well.

Turn into greased loaf pan or glass casserole dish 8 1/2 x 11 inches and pour remaining soup over the top, smoothing it evenly over all.

Bake 350 degrees F for 1 1/4 hours.

*The tomato soup maybe substituted with tomato sauce or Tomato Frito (a rich fried Spanish tomato puree).

NOTES:
- Vegetables maybe be chopped in a food processor.
- Red, orange or yellow bell pepper, or combination may be used.
- All seasonings, except salt, may be increased or doubled.
- Recipe may be doubled and made into two 8-inch loaves or 4 small loaves.

Source: Canarybird and notes from others to GardenWeb, 2006 - original source: American Pro Football Player's Wife, 1963