The Best Meatloaf Ever

This meatloaf originated with the Splendid Table and cookbook author, Lucinda Scala Quinn.  I was listening to NPR as I was driving one Saturday afternoon and my mouth begin watering when I heard this.  I went to the website and made this meatloaf that night.  It is wonderfully delicious.  I put a little more garlic and onion than it calls for and I don't always put in the carrot.

Ingredients

1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs

1/3 cup whole milk
2 pounds ground beef chuck
1/4 cup grated onion
1 carrot, peeled and grated
1 large egg
1 clove of garlic, grated
2 teaspoons coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/3 to 1/2 cup Chili Sauce (recipe follows) or regular bottled chili sauce

Procedure

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F with a rack in the middle position. In a large bowl, soak the bread crumbs in the milk for 5 minutes.

2. Add the beef, onions, carrots, egg, salt, and pepper to the bread crumb mixture. Mix gently.

3. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and put it in an 8 1/2-by-4 1/2-inch loaf pan. Make 3 holes, evenly spaced lengthwise, in the meat loaf and fill them to the top with the sauce. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 to 15 minutes.

4. Pour any accumulated juices over the top of the meat loaf. Slice and serve with the remaining chili sauce on the side.

Chili Sauce

 Makes 3/4 cup

Ingredients

 

1/2 cup ketchup
1 teaspoon chili paste, such as sambal oelek
1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
  

Procedure

1. Mix the ingredients together in a small bowl.