CHEESY MEAT LOAF

ingredients

4 tablespoons olive oil
2 carrots, cut into 1/4"dice
2 celery stalks, cut into 1/4" dice
1 onion, cut into 1/4" dice
1/2 oz. dried wild mushrooms, soaked in 1 cup hot water, chopped, soaking liquid reserved
3 garlic cloves minced
2 1/4 cups fresh bread crumbs
1 tablespoon plus 1/4 cup minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded, plus 6 oz. cut into 1/2:" cubes
salt and pepper to taste
2 pounds 89% ground beef
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
mashed potatoes for serving

1
oven to 350°.
2
Oil roaster
3
2 tablespoons oil in sauté pan over medium-high heat.
4
Sauté carrots, celery, and onion 10 minutes
5
Add mushrooms and sauté 1 more minute.
6
Cool 10 minutes
7
Combine 1 1/2 cups bread crumbs and 1/3 cup mushroom liquid; soak 5 minutes.
8
Separate bowl, combine 3/4 cup bread crumbs, 1 tablespoon parsley, 1 tablespoon oil, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper.
9
Combine mix beef, soaked crumbs, vegetable mixture, eggs, 1/4 cup parsley, thyme, cubed cheese, salt, and pepper.
10
Transfer to prepared roasting pan; shape into 10” x 5” loaf.
11
Cover top and sides with cheese-bread crumb mixture.
12
Bake until internal temperature is 165° F. About 1 hour and 10 minutes.
13
Serve with mashed potatoes