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I love trying new complex flavors and combinations in restaurants, but when I’m at home, I continue to go back to the classics time and time again.  I hope you never get tired of me posting them because my family likes them best, and it just screams comfort to me.  To me, if you have a repertoire of great classic dishes under your belt, you are well on your way to a home cooked dinner on your table most nights of the week.

A classic Italian meatloaf is one of my husband’s very favorite classic comfort food dishes.  If he ever needs some cheering up, meatloaf is my loving gift to him.   He will take a gift of food over any other tangible gift any day.

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This classic meatloaf is simple to make but is packed with flavor.  Don’t skimp on the herbs, whatever you do.  That’s what kicks up the flavor and makes this Italian meatloaf extra special.  I also choose to sauté the vegetables before adding it to the meat mixture so that the flavors are more mellow and the texture is softer.  My children don’t like crunchy onions in their meatloaf, and I can’ really blame them.  I was not a fan of onions as a child either.  They don’t seem to mind the softer onions that melt into the meatloaf though.

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Eating at home is just the best, right?  Look at that meal above.  Mouthwatering.  What’s your favorite classic comfort food dish to make at home?

 
 
Classic Italian meatloaf
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Classic Italian Meatloaf

A classic Italian meatloaf that is simple yet packed with flavor. A true family favorite.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 6

Ingredients

  • 2 slices of bread cubed
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1-2 T. butter or olive oil
  • 1/2 onion minced
  • 1 carrot shredded
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 lbs. ground beef
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup fresh herbs chopped (rosemary, parsley, oregano, and thyme)
  • 1.5 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • GLAZE
  • 4 oz. tomato sauce
  • 2 t. mustard
  • 2 T. maple syrup
  • 2 t. organic Worcestershire sauce Annie's is a brand I use

Instructions

  1. Place bread in a large bowl with milk. Let soak while you are working on the rest of the meatloaf.
  2. Cook onions, carrot and garlic in a skillet until vegetables are soft. Set aside to cool.
  3. Combine beef, eggs, herbs, salt, pepper, and cooked vegetables to the soaked bread mixture. Mix until combined well.
  4. Press into a loaf pan and bake in a 400 degree oven for 45 minutes. If you don't have a very lean beef, you will need to pour off grease before adding the glaze. If you use a grass-fed beef, you won't have any fat to pour off.
  5. Mix together glaze ingredients in a small bowl and pour over the top.
  6. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.
  7. Let rest for a few minutes, slice, and enjoy!