Chef notes
This is a moist meatloaf, light in texture but heavy in flavor and completely nourishing. It is basted during the cooking process with a savory, tangy glaze that keeps the meatloaf tender while giving it a sweet crust.
Technique tip: Basting the meatloaf as it cooks will help keep it moist and seal in the flavors.
Swap option: For a leaner meatloaf, you can use ground turkey.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound ground beef chuck
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 pound ground veal
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves
- 2 8-ounce cans tomato sauce
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup water (optional)
Preparation
1.Preheat the oven to 350 F.
2.Combine the ground meats, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, egg, parsley, salt, pepper, thyme and 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce.
3.Shape the mixture into a heart-shaped loaf, and place in a lightly greased rimmed baking sheet (or shallow pan).
4.Stir together the vinegar, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire, and remaining tomato sauce. Add water, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, to thin the sauce if necessary. Pour about one-third of the tomato sauce mixture over the top of the meatloaf.
5.Bake until no longer pink in the center, about 1 hour, basting with the remaining tomato sauce mixture every 15 minutes.