Crazy Meat Loaf

1 (10 ounce) package frozen mixed vegetables
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cups soft bread crumbs
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon thyme
3/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
1 egg, slightly beaten
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon basil
1 1/2 pounds ground chuck
1 cup grated Cheddar cheese

Cook mixed vegetables for 5 minutes in boiling salted water; drain. Melt butter in skillet; add onion and cook until tender but not brown. Add bread crumbs, parsley, 1/4 teaspoon salt, thyme and 1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce.

Combine egg, milk, remaining salt, basil and remaining Tabasco sauce a in mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of bread crumb mixture to egg mixture; mix well. Gently blend ground chuck into bread crumb-egg mixture. Handle as little as possible for more tender meat. Gently press all but 2 cups of meat mixture over bottom and three-fourths up the sides of a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan, leaving center hollow.

Combine remaining bread crumb mixture with mixed vegetables and grated cheese; turn into hollow space in loaf pan. Cover with remaining meat mixture. Bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour. Let stand for 10 minutes before turning out onto serving platter.

Serve with cheese sauce, if desired.