Hearty Meadow Meatloaf

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Hearty Meadow Meatloaf, a delicious and satisfying dish that combines a flavorful herb sauce with a moist and flavorful meatloaf. This recipe features a rich and tangy herb sauce made with fresh mushrooms, onions, garlic, crushed tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. The sauce is then combined with a mixture of ground beef (or a combination of beef, pork, and veal), pork rinds for added texture, and eggs to bind it all together. The result is a hearty and savory meatloaf that is sure to please your taste buds.

INGREDIENTS:

Herb Sauce:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, chopped
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 2 Splenda packets (or sweetener of your choice)
• 1 cup water
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil (or 2 teaspoons dried, chopped)

Meatloaf:

• 2 lbs. ground beef or combination of ground beef, pork, and veal
• 1 cup pork rinds, crushed
• 2 eggs, beaten

STEPS:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat.
2. Add the chopped mushrooms, onions, and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until they are softened and lightly browned.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, Splenda (or sweetener), and cook for a few minutes until well combined.
4. Set aside approximately 1-1/2 cups of the sauce mixture for later use.
5. To the remaining sauce mixture in the skillet, add water, bay leaf, and fresh basil (or dried basil if using).
6. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover the skillet, and simmer gently for 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
8. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or combination of meats), crushed pork rinds, beaten eggs, and the reserved 1-1/2 cups of herb sauce. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
9. Press the meat mixture into a loaf pan, making sure to pack it tightly.
10. Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
11. After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and drain any excess liquid.
12. Spread 1/2 cup of the reserved herb sauce over the top of the meatloaf.
13. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until it is cooked through and the top is slightly browned.
14. Discard the bay leaf and garnish the meatloaf with any remaining herb sauce before serving.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• If you prefer a finer texture in the sauce, you can puree it using a blender or immersion blender before using it in the recipe.
• Feel free to adjust the seasonings and herbs in the sauce according to your taste preferences.
• You can also customize the meatloaf by adding additional ingredients such as diced bell peppers, grated cheese, or herbs of your choice.

TIPS:

• Allow the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving to allow the flavors to settle.
• Serve the Hearty Meadow Meatloaf with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.