Meatloaf is good.

I always hated my mom's meatloaf. Whenever it was meatloaf night, I'd always opt for the Honey Bunches of Oats instead. It's nothing against my mom's cooking. To be perfectly honest, I'm pretty sure I only tried it once or twice, but that was plenty enough for me. Until, last week. I tried a bite at Steuben's and it was good, really good. So I decided to give it a go.

Sun-dried Tomato, Romano, Turkey Meatloaf
adapted from Food Network

• 1/2 cup plain dried bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (Italian parsley)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons whole milk
• 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
• 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 10 ounces sliced pancetta, about 10 slices (optional)
  

In a large bowl mix the bread crumbs, chopped parsley, Romano cheese sun-dried tomatoes, salt and pepper roughly. In a separate bowl wisk together the 2 eggs and whole milk. Pour the milk and eggs into the the dry mixture. Stir together. Slowly add the ground turkey and work mixture with your hands til it is properly combined. Do not over work. Form the meatloaf into a rectagular loaf and cover with parchment paper. Place in oven and bake for 45 min at 375 degrees F.

If you want to add the panchetta (I made 2 loafs and did one with and one without) it's a nice flavor but adds a little extra step. On the parchment paper, overlap the panchetta in the shape of the meatloaf before placing the meatloaf on the paper. Place the meatloaf on top of the panchetta. Wrap the panchetta around the meatloaf with patchment paper and place it in the oven (same temp and time).

When it is all done cooking, slice it, top it with some red sauce-- recipe below (which I just made up in my head) and enjoy!
Recommended sides- mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy and asparagus.

Red Sauce ('cause meatloaf has to have Ketchup, right?)

• 1 can fire-roasted chopped tomatoes (or any kind of chopped tomatoes)
  
• 2 tsp. tomato paste
  
• 1 tbsp Ketchup

Stir 3 ingredients together in a saucepan. Bring to simmer and use to top meatloaf.

(photo via me-- I actually managed to snap a picture before I ate it, sorry it's so dark!)