Meat Loaf

Recorded January 27, 2012. Adapted from Alton Brown's Good Eats recipe.

2 lbs lean ground beef
1/2 lb pork sausage
1/2 T kosher salt
1 large egg, beaten
 
1/2 large onion, coarsely chopped
1 large carrot, peeled and coarsely chopped
4 oz mushrooms, quartered
3 large cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
1/2 sweet bell pepper, coarsely chopped

4 oz (1 sleeve) wheat saltines
1/2 t ground black pepper
2 T mushroom powder
2 t chili powder
1 t dried thyme

Heat oven to 325 degrees F (165 C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and pork gently. Mix in the egg. Add the onion, carrot, garlic, and red pepper to the food processor bowl. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped, but not pureed. Combine with the beef mixture. Next, process the crackers, black pepper, mushroom powder, chili powder, and thyme until the mixture is finely texture. Combine with other ingredients. Form the meat mixture into a loaf about 4 inches tall by 6 inches wide on a heavy sheet pan covered with parchment paper. Bake about 60 minutes. Internal temperature should be about 160 degrees F (70 ºC). Let cool 20 minutes before slicing. Suggested sides: roast tiny potatoes, mushroom gravy, and fresh green beans braised in butter and tarragon.