Meat loaf with garlic butter sauce

Ingredients:

Meatloaf

• 450 g of ground beef
• 450 g of ground veal
• 450 g of minced pork
• 2 tbsp. l. olive oil
• 2 cups large chopped onion
• 1.5 cups celery, finely diced (2 stalks)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tbsp. l. chopped chives
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2/3 cup whole milk
• 1 tbsp coarse salt
• 1 tbsp. ground black pepper
• 2.5 tbsp. Japanese panko breadcrumbs, can be replaced with grated white bread crumb

Garlic sauce

• 3/4 cup olive oil
• 10 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 3 tbsp (45 g) butter at room temperature

Preparation:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan (30 cm) over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and sauté for 5–7 minutes, until the onion is translucent. Do not brown it. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, parsley, thyme, chives, eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Grind the panko breadcrumbs in a blender or food processor.
   
   Add the onion and panko to the ground beef. Using clean hands, gently mix all ingredients together without compacting the ground beef.
3. Preheat oven to 170°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   
   Form the minced meat into a rectangle and press down on the sides to form a cylinder in the middle of the baking sheet (this will prevent air pockets from forming).
4. Bake for 40–50 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer reads 155–165°F (68–71°C). Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes. Slice and serve hot with Garlic Butter Sauce.

5. Garlic sauce

   
   Heat the oil in a small saucepan, add the garlic, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the garlic is lightly browned. Keep an eye on the garlic, as it won't brown or it will become bitter. Remove the garlic and set the oil aside (I use the remaining oil for vinaigrettes).
   
   Mix chicken broth, butter, and garlic in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 35–40 minutes, until slightly thickened. Crush the garlic with a fork and whisk in with 0.5 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Taste. Pour the warm sauce over the meatloaf and any side dishes you're serving, such as mashed potatoes.