Old Fashioned Meatloaf

Meatloaf isn't sexy... but if you're going to make it... make it good! This recipe uses the traditional 3 meat blend but also includes lightly sauteed vegetables... you can also roast them quickly in the oven if you want a touch of that roasted flavor.

Meatloaf - Ingredient List:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 large zucchini, finely diced

• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced

• 1/2 serrano pepper, finely diced

• 1 yellow pepper, finely diced

• 1 yellow onion, finely diced

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh thyme leaves

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves

• 1/2 pound ground pork

• 1/2 pound ground veal

• 1 pound ground beef chuck (good quality)

• 1 cup panko (Japanese) bread crumbs - or your own crumbs

• 1/2 cup freshly grated Romano

• 1 1/2 cups ketchup, (separate for 2 uses)

• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons good quality balsamic vinegar

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Heat the oil in a large saute pan over high heat. Add the zucchini, peppers, onion and salt and pepper, to taste, and cook until almost soft, 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and 1/4 teaspoon the red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds (no longer or garlic will burn). Set aside to cool.

Whisk together the eggs and herbs in a large bowl. Add the meat, bread crumbs, cheese, 1/2 cup of the ketchup and 2 tablespoons of the balsamic vinegar and the vegetables and mix until just combined.

Mold the meatloaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Whisk together the remaining ketchup and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl then brush the mixture over the entire loaf.

Bake the meatloaf for approximately 1 to 1 1/4 hours. Remove from the oven and let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing.