Country Herbed Meatloaf

I got this in an old issue of Country Magazine years ago but it's still a hit today!

Country Herbed Meatloaf

Herb Sauce
1/4 cup olive oil
8 oz. fresh mushrooms, chopped
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
1 6 oz. can tomato paste
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
2 tsp. sugar
1 cup water
1 bay leaf
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil or 2 tsp. dried basil

Meatloaf
2 lbs. ground beef or meatloaf mix
1 cup seasoned dry breadcrumbs
3 Tbsp. milk
2 eggs, beaten

In a skillet, heat oil on high.  Saute the mushrooms, onion and garlic.  Add tomatoes, tomato paste, salt pepper and sugar.  Remove 1 1/2 cups of sauce, set aside.  To the remaining sauce in the pan, add the water, bay leaf and basil.  Simmer, uncovered, for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, combine all of the meatloaf ingredients with the 1 1/2 cups reserved sauce.  Press into a 9x5x3" loaf.  Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.  Remove from oven, drain.  Spread 1/2 cup of the herb sauce over the top of the meatloaf and return to the oven for 15 minutes.

Serve the meatloaf with the remaining herb sauce.

Applesauce Stuffing Meatloaf

I can't believe I haven't posted this yet!!  This is an amazing meatloaf that is just so different!!  It's a definite family favorite.

Applesauce Stuffing Meatloaf

2 lbs. meatloaf mix (beef, veal, pork) or any other meat you want to use
1 chopped onion
1 cup applesauce
1 cup herb stuffing mix
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 egg

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl with your hands.  Plunge your hands in warm water to get the feeling back.  Form into a loaf shape in a baking pan or put into a loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.  Enjoy!