Shelly's Recipe

COUNTRY HERBED MEAT LOAF

Category: Meatloaf

Herb Sauce:
1/4 cup olive oil
8 oz fresh mushrooms, chopped
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 garlic clove, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
2 tsp sugar
1 cup water
1 bay leaf
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil

Meat Loaf:
2 lbs ground beef or combination of ground beef, pork and veal
1 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
3 tbsp milk
2 eggs, beaten

In a skillet, heat oil on high. Saute the mushrooms; onion and garlic. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper and sugar. Remove 1-1/2 cups. Add water, bay leaf and basil to skillet. Simmer, uncovered, for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, combine all meat loaf ingredients with 1-1/2 cups reserved sauce. press into a loaf pan lined with waxed paper. Unmold onto a roasting pan. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Remove from oven; drain. Spread 1/2 cup of herb sauce over top of meat loaf. Return to oven for 15 minutes. Discard bay leaf and serve remaining sauce over individual servings.