Mushroom Meatloaf With Pepper-Thyme Gravy

Mushroom Meatloaf With Pepper-Thyme Gravy

1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef

2 teaspoons butter

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

8 ounces assorted wild or button mushrooms (shiitake, cremini and button may be used), sliced

3 cloves garlic, crushed

3/4 cup soft bread crumbs

1 egg, slightly beaten

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, crushed

1/4 teaspoon 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

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In large nonstick skillet, heat 2 teaspoons butter over medium heat until hot. Add onion. Cook and stir 3 minutes. Add mushrooms and garlic. Cook and stir 6-8 minutes or until mushrooms are tender. Remove from heat and cool 5 minutes.

In large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, salt, 3/4 teaspoon thyme, pepper and mushroom mixture; mix lightly but thoroughly.

On rack in broiler pan, shape beef mixture into 8×4-inch loaf. Bake in 350 degree oven approximately 1-1/4 hours to medium doneness (160 degrees) or until center is no longer pink and juices show no pink color.

Meanwhile, prepare gravy. In medium saucepan, heat 1 teaspoon butter over medium heat until hot. Add bell pepper. Cook and stir 5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Add gravy and thyme; heat through. Carve meat loaf into slices. Serve with gravy. Makes 6 servings.

Note: Due to the natural nitrate content of ingredients like onions and bell peppers, meat loaf may remain pink even if a 160-degree internal temperature has been reached. Always check the temperature with a meat thermometer or instant-read thermometer to be certain the meat is 160 degrees.