THREE-MUSHROOM MEATLOAF

Yield: 6 servings
Source: National Cattlemen's Beef Association
Notes: A combination of mushrooms such as shiitake, cremini
(brown) and button may be used. To make soft bread crumbs,
place torn bread in food processor or blender container.
Cover; process, pulsing on and off, to form fine crumbs.
One and one-half slices make about 1 cup crumbs.

INGREDIENTS

- 1-1/2 pounds ground beef
- 2 teaspoons butter
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 8 ounces assorted wild or button mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup soft bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, crushed
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Pepper Gravy:

- 1 teaspoon butter
- 1/2 cup diced red, yellow or green bell pepper
- 1 jar (12 ounces) beef gravy
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, crushed

DIRECTIONS

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Heat 2 teaspoons butter in
large non-stick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add
onion, cook and stir 3 minutes. Add mushrooms and garlic;
cook 6 to 8 minutes or until mushrooms are tender, stirring
occasionally. Remove from heat; cool 5 minutes.

Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, salt, 3/4 teaspoon
thyme, pepper and mushroom mixture in large bowl, mixing
lightly but thoroughly.

Shape beef mixture into 8 x 4-inch loaf on rack in broiler
pan. Bake in 350°F oven 1-1/4 hours to medium (160F)
doneness, until not pink in center and juices show no
pink color. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.

Meanwhile heat 1 teaspoon butter in medium saucepan over
medium heat until hot. Add bell pepper; cook and stir
5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Stir in gravy and
1/2 teaspoon thyme; heat through.

Cut meatloaf into 1-inch thick slices; serve with gravy.

Also Note: Due to the natural nitrate content of certain
ingredients often used in meatloaf, such as onions, celery
and bell peppers, meatloaf may remain pink even when a
160F internal temperature has been reached. Always check
the internal temperature using a meat thermometer or
instant-read thermometer to be certain it reaches 160F.

Nutrition information per serving:
323 calories; 25 g protein; 10 g carbohydrate; 20 g fat;
817 mg sodium; 109 mg cholesterol; 5.9 mg niacin;
0.3 mg vitamin B6; 1.7 mcg vitamin B12; 3.4 mg iron; 5.4 mg zinc