Meatloaf is a great make-ahead meal for a long cruise. It’s so easy to prepare and freezes well. And the meatloaf itself is filling and nourishing, whether you eat it plain or in a sandwich, hot or cold. This Italian Meatloaf was made and frozen the week before our cruise from Fernandina Beach to Charleston. I avoided eggs or dairy products for a longer refrigeration life.

Italian Meatloaf

3 lbs ground beef
2 lbs Italian Sausage
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion
2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons fennel seed
2 teaspoons dried hot peppers
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups bread crumbs
1 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup dry red wine

Very similar to making Norwegian Meatballs, throw the first nine ingredients into the largest pot or bowl or (clean) bucket you own. Then mix with your (again, clean) hands.

Add bread crumbs, red wine and tomato sauce.

Mix together and place into two loaf pans. Preheat your galley oven to 350 degrees.

Place into your preheated oven and baked for 1 hour.

Remove from oven and let cool. Once cooled, slice loafs into 1/2″ slices. Place parchment paper between each slice for easy separation if frozen or even just refrigerated. It’ll be very easy to break apart and grab a slice when you’re under your red LEDs at night.

Or…devour it as we did, for an easy pre-made meal at the dock.