SERVES 6 – 8
A classic American dish, meat loaf doesn't have to be heavy or routine—keep it light by handling it as little as possible, and add an earthy flavor with your favorite mushrooms.
3 tbsp. olive oil 2 large onions, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced 3 lbs. ground chuck 5 tbsp. ketchup 1⁄2 cup dry sherry 1 cup sautéed mushrooms of your choice 1 large egg 1 cup fresh bread crumbs Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1. Heat olive oil in a medium sauté pan over low heat. Add onions and garlic and cook until translucent, about 15 minutes. Let cool.
2. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, combine chuck, 2 tbsp. of the ketchup, sherry, mushrooms, egg, bread crumbs, salt and pepper to taste, and half the onion–garlic mixture, and stir just enough to mix.
3. Place meat in a 3" × 7" loaf pan and round the top with your hands to form a crown. Top with remaining onion–garlic mixture and drizzle with remaining 3 tbsp. ketchup. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove meat loaf from oven and let set about 10 minutes, for easier slicing.
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