Name: Not-So-Basic Meatloaf
Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients: 5 strips lean bacon, finely chopped; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium onions, finely chopped; 1 medium carrot, finely chopped; 2 pounds very lean ground beef sirloin; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1 cup finely ground fresh bread crumbs; 1/4 cup Dijon mustard; 1/4 cup barbecue sauce; 1 tablespoon bottled horseradish, well drained; 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley; 2 tablespoons coarse salt; 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon finely minced fresh thyme (or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme); 2 to 3 cups croutons; 10 whole, unpeeled, garlic cloves; 4 bay leaves; 1 sprig fresh thyme

Image may contain Human Person Food Culinary and Chef

Not-So-Basic MeatloafCookbook cover image courtesy of Random House

This is my idea of a great meatloaf, perfectly-seasoned, carrying a hint of aromatic intrigue from the barbecue sauce, horseradish, and bay leaves, and innovatingly garnished. When you transfer the meatloaf to its serving platter, make sure to take all of the croutons too. They will have absorbed the flavorful juices that cooked out of the meatloaf and complete the texture and taste of the dish. Serve with mashed potatoes and a lively green salad.

Note:

I prefer to slightly precook any vegetables that I will be adding to a meatloaf so that they can more readily release all of their flavor into the loaf as it bakes. You can also double the amounts of vegetables and reserve half of them to spoon around the meatloaf before serving.

Recipe notes

Chocolate Guinness Cake

A generous glug of stout gives this snackable loaf a malty depth.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

Super Seedy Power Cookies

As energizing as an energy bar, with a much simpler ingredient list.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Apple-Walnut Charoset

A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.