Over the weekend, Hubby and I were discussing the end of summer and the rapid approach of autumn (my favorite season). He commented that the thing he was most looking forward to about the cooler weather was the hearty comfort foods.
In particular, he was really hungry for meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie.
Pumpkin Pie? Sold!
I was planning on steaks for dinner (filet mignon, at that), but I popped them in the freezer in favor of meatloaf mix. Not normally a tradeoff I would make, but we cooked steak almost every weekend for months, and I was up for a change.
We usually do bigger Sunday dinners, and Hubby’s favorite part is that Sunday dinners always come with dessert. When I was on my baking hiatus, that was typically ice cream, but the homemade desserts are so much better.
I zipped up a pie after lunch, and popped it in the oven. Yum! (If you haven’t seen my pumpkin pie recipe, there is a thin layer of cheesecake hidden under the pumpkin. Heavenly!)
By the time dinner was done, my house smelled amazing! Meatloaf, Redskin Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Onions, Sautéed Carrots, and Corn.
I have to be honest, I was never a big fan of meatloaf, but I experimented with different versions over the years and have a couple of recipes I like. This one is my husband’s favorite. It has caramelized onions and mushrooms mixed right in with the meat making it extra moist, although it is really good without the mushrooms, too, if you prefer it without.
Meatloaf and Mushroom Gravy
Ingredients
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Instructions
- Sauté Mushrooms and Onions in Olive Oil. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
- Preheat oven to 375 Degrees.
- Mix Meat, Breadcrumbs, Egg, Milk, approx. 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire Sauce, Heinz 57 sauce, 1 tablespoon of Stone Ground mustard, Ketchup, and Italian Seasoning in a large bowl.
- Add in 2/3 of the mushrooms and onions, and mix.
- If the mixture is too wet (it won’t hold its shape), add more bread crumbs.
**I almost always have to do this. - If the mixture seems dry, add a bit more milk.
- Optional: Make a small (approximately 1-inch) patty of the meat mixture, and cook it in a small skillet to taste seasoning. Add salt and pepper as desired.
- If the mixture is too wet (it won’t hold its shape), add more bread crumbs.
- Form the Meat mixture into a loaf-shape and place on a baking sheet or place meat in a loaf pan. If desired, more ketchup can be spread on top to caramelize. Bake for 1 hour.
- Remove from oven. Use a meat thermometer to make sure meat is at least 165 degrees. Let meat rest on a platter while you make the gravy. (It will firm up a bit in this time, making it easier to cut).
- Add remaining mushrooms and onions and the butter to a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- When the butter is melted, add the flour. Cook one minute.
- Add the wine or beer and stir. Cook until thickened (1-2 minutes).
- Add the stock and the remaining tablespoon of Worcestershire Sauce and Stone Ground Mustard. Whisk until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently, five minutes.
- Slice the meatloaf into 8-12 slices. Serve with gravy.
- Enjoy!
This was a hearty, yummy dinner that gave Hubby a night off from grilling (with enough leftovers to give us both a night off of cooking later in the week). 🙂 Not normal summer fare, but a nice change of pace.
Don’t forget desert! I served it with a bit (or a lot) of fresh whipped cream. Perfect end to a yummy Sunday dinner!
Do you make Sunday Dinners? Have another tradition for a day of the week with a bigger, special meal? What is your favorite comfort meal? Please share! 🙂
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