Every family in America probably has a favorite recipe for meatloaf. It’s one of those dishes that make us think of home. Always spice a meatloaf generously, as the spices dissipate during cooking. Add plenty of moist ingredients such as tomato sauce or ketchup, eggs, and if need be, stock.

　　

Ingredients

serves 4

　　2 pounds lean ground beef, pork, veal, or turkey

　　2 yellow onions, chopped

　　2 celery stalks, chopped

　　1 green bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, deveined, and chopped

　　2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

　　2 eggs

　　1 cup finely diced bread

　　Salt and freshly ground black pepper

　　1 cup ketchup

　　

Step 1

Line the slow cooker with two sheets of aluminum foil for easy removal of the meatloaf.

　　

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine the beef, onions, celery, bell pepper, garlic, eggs, and bread and season with salt and pepper. Mix well with your hands and shape into an oblong loaf (or if you are using a round slow cooker, into a round loaf).

　　

Step 3

Place the loaf into the slow cooker and pour the ketchup evenly over the top. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the loaf registers 165°F and the meat is browned.

　　

Step 4

Lift the meatloaf from the cooker by gently grasping the aluminum foil and pulling it out. Let it rest for about 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

　　Cooks' Note

　　Suggested Beverage: A good Syrah or medium-to full-bodied red wine.

　　The Gourmet Slow Cooker: Volume II