Ultimate Italian-Inspired Meatloaf Recipe

Ingredients

• A drizzle of olive oil, or more if required
• Freshly diced mushrooms, one cupful
• Diced red bell pepper, half a cup
• Finely chopped onion, half a cup
• Minced garlic, a single clove
• Italian-style bread crumbs with Romano cheese, half a cup
• Finely chopped Italian parsley leaves from three sprigs
• A single large egg
• Dash of Italian seasoning, one teaspoon
• Ground pork, approximately eleven ounces
• Lean ground beef, about eighteen ounces
• Glaze (Optional):
• Tomato sauce, a quarter cup
• Dijon mustard, like Maille®, one teaspoon
• Dark brown sugar, a teaspoonful
• White vinegar, one teaspoon

Step 1

Begin by preheating your oven to a toasty 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and greasing a 9x5-inch loaf pan ever so lightly. In a skillet over medium heat, warm up a tablespoon of oil before tossing in a delightful mix of mushrooms, bell pepper, and onion. Stir and cook until they soften just right, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. Add in some garlic, letting it cook until its aroma dances around for roughly 30 seconds. Once done, set this savory medley aside to cool down.

Step 2

While your veggie mix cools, grab a large bowl and combine bread crumbs, fresh parsley, a whisked egg, and a dash of Italian seasoning. Fold in the now-cooled veggie mix, ensuring everything gets well acquainted. Then, gently introduce the ground pork and beef to the party. Transfer this flavorful amalgamation into your prepared loaf pan and sculpt it into an enticing loaf shape.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, whisk together tomato sauce, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and vinegar to create a luscious glaze, ready to adorn your meatloaf. Slide your creation into the preheated oven for an initial 45-minute bake. Once it's out, brush the tantalizing glaze all over the loaf, then pop it back into the oven. Repeat this glazing and baking process every 10 to 15 minutes until the center is no longer blushing pink, which should take around 30 more minutes. To ensure it's cooked to perfection, an instant-read thermometer should register at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C) when inserted into the center. Finally, remove your masterpiece from the oven, letting any excess oil bid adieu.