Meat Mixture:
2 pounds lean ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese
3/4 cup fresh bread crumbs
1/2 cup Longmont Dairy Farm milk
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 clove garlic, minced ( optional)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Topping:
1/4 cup bottled chili sauce
1/4 cup (1 ounce) shredded Cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350º F. In large bowl, combine and mix all meatloaf ingredients. Press into 9 x 5 inch loaf pan. Bake 60 to 65 minutes, or until meatloaf is cooked to medium doneness (160º F).

Spoon chili sauce over top of meatloaf and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes. ( Meatloaf is done when a knife inserted in the center draws clear juices). Remove from oven. Sprinkle with remaining Cheddar cheese and return to oven until cheese is melted, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from oven. Let meatloaf stand 10 minutes before slicing. Serves 8.

From the Colorado Country Life Magazine, October 1999