Ingredients
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2 lbs ground beef
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1/2 lb ground pork
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1 onion, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic (or use 1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder)
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1/2 cup seasoned dry bread crumb (more if needed)
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1/4 cup milk
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2 eggs, slightly beaten
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3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (one more tablespoon won't hurt!)
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1/2-1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 -2 teaspoon dried basil
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2 teaspoons seasoning salt (can use white salt)
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1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (or to taste)
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1/2-3/4 cup ketchup
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brown sugar (start with 2 tablespoons and add in more to taste)
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3 -4 tablespoons butter
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1/2 lb fresh sliced mushrooms
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1 teaspoon dried thyme (rubbed between fingers to release the oils)
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2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley
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1 medium onion, chopped
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1/2 cup chili sauce (or use 1/4 cup of each!) or 1/2 cup ketchup (or use 1/4 cup of each!)
Instructions
- Set oven to 350°F.
- Prepare a 9 x 5-inch baking pan and a baking sheet covered with foil to place underneath to catch any drippings.
- Using clean hands mix together all meatloaf ingredients except the 1/2 to 3/4 cup ketchup and the brown sugar, until well combined in a large bowl (adding in a little more breadcrumbs if needed).
- Pack the mixture into prepared pan.
- Place the pan on a foil-lined baking sheet to catch any spills.
- Bake for about 1 hour.
- Mix together ketchup with enough brown sugar to taste (start with 2 tablespoons adding in as much brown sugar as you desire to reach desired sweetness).
- After the 1 hour of baking, remove the meat loaf (at this point you can carefully drain off some of the fat if desired) and spread the ketchup/brown sugar mixture over the top.
- Place back in the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the meat loaf is pulling away from the sides of the pan.
- OPTIONAL for the stuffing mixture; melt butter in a skillet over medium heat; add in mushrooms, onion and thyme, cook stirring until the mushrooms brown and loose their moisture.
- Add in the soft breadcrumbs and cook until lightly browned.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread evenly onto the bottom layer of beef mixture, then press down slightly.
- Top with layer of beef mixture and bake as stated.