Meatloaf 101

Courtesy of Martha Kostyra (Martha Stewart's Mom). This is one of her most popular recipes.

• Ready In: 1 hr 30 mins
• Serves: 8-10
• Yields: 1 loaf

Ingredients

• 4  slices  white bread, torn into pieces
• 2 1⁄2 lbs ground beef
• 1  medium yellow onion, peeled and cut into eighths
• 2  garlic cloves
• 2  stalks celery, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2  carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1⁄2 cup flat leaf parsley
• 1  large egg
• 1  cup ketchup
• 3  teaspoons dry mustard
• 1  tablespoon coarse salt
• 2  teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
• 2  tablespoons brown sugar

Directions

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Place bread in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade; pulse until fine crumbs form.
3. Transfer to a medium bowl, and add ground beef.
4. Place onion, garlic, celery, carrots, and parsley in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade; pulse until fine.
5. Add to meat mixture, using hands to mix well.
6. Add egg, 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 teaspoons dry mustard, salt, and pepper; use hands to combine thoroughly.
7. Place in an 8 1/2-by-4 1/2-by-2 1/2-inch loaf pan.
8. Combine remaining 1/2 cup ketchup, remaining teaspoon dry mustard, and brown sugar in a bowl; stir until smooth.
9. Brush mixture over meatloaf; place in the oven with a baking pan set on the rack below to catch drippings.
10. Cook until a meat thermometer inserted in the center reads 160 degrees, about 90 minutes.
11. If top gets too dark, cover with foil, and continue baking.