Saveur

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.

This article was first published in Saveur in Issue #4