Beef Loaf(Usda)

4 large eggs -- slightly beaten

2 2/3 cups milk

12 slices bread -- diced

1/4 cup instant minced onion

1 cup celery -- finely chopped

4 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 cup catsup

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

6 pounds lean ground beef

Preheat oven to 375=B0 F. (moderate). Have four 8x8x2-inch baking pans= ready. Do not line pans for this recipe.

Mix eggs and milk. Add remaining ingredients except meat. Beat well. Mix= in meat lightly. Divide mixture into four parts. Press each part into a= baking pan. Pack mixture tightly to avoid air pockets. Bake 1 hour or= until loaf is done.

TO SERVE WITHOUT FREEZING: Serve immediately after removing from the oven.

TO FREEZE: Cool for 30 minutes at room temperature. Remove from pans and= place on freezer wrap. Allow extra wrap to fold over top. Complete= wrapping by pulling paper up over top of food. Put edges of wrap together= and fold several times so paper lies directly on top of food. Fold ends of= freezer wrap over the top and seal with freezer tape. Label with name of= food, date of freezing, and last date the food should be used for best= eating quality (about 6 months). Freeze immediately for 10 to 12 hours= before removing packages from the pans.

TO HEAT FROZEN FOOD: Preheat oven to 375=B0 F. (hot). Remove freezer wrap.= Place food in baking pan. Bake 1 hour or until center is hot.