What a Meatloaf!

Meatloaf is one of those old standby recipes. I usually have the ingredients to throw one together, and it is preferred by 4 out of 5 family members. No Thank You Boy likes his beef in steak form. Before developing this recipe, my meatloaf was pretty good. Nothing to write home about, though. But, this recipe has taken my loaf to new heights. It is adapted from cooking software called Mastercook. I served it with some mashed Yukon gold potatoes and some Trader Joe's frozen green beans. A beefy gravy was poured over everything to produce a good rib-stickin' meal.

I can't wait for the leftovers that will be tomorrow's lunch....a meatloaf sandwich. Multi-grain bread, Dijon mayo (couple tablespoons Dijon mustard to about a 1/2 cup of mayo), slab o' meatloaf with melted Swiss all over. I'll be getting many meals out of the one loaf!

Magnificent Meatloaf

serves 5

1 pound ground beef, 85% lean
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 pound ground veal
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
3 garlic gloves, chopped
2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoons pepper
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
3 bay leaves
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup ketchup

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, place the ground beef, pork, and veal along with the eggs and breadcrumbs.  Melt butter in saute pan and saute onion, and celery for about 4 minutes. Add the garlic, spice mix, Worcestershire sauce, evaporated milk, and ketchup. Simmer until this has thickened, about 3 - 4 minutes. Cool slightly. Remove bay leaves and combine with meats, eggs, and breadcrumbs.

I like to make mine in a loaf pan to keep the meatloaf juicy. Also, try it in a free form loaf if you want it with a more crunchy crust. Bake for about 1 hour and 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool slightly before slicing.