Meatloaf with Mushroom Gravy

By Coppermouse

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1/4 ounce dried porcini mushrooms, rinsed
• 16 square or 18 round saltines
• 10 ounces white mushrooms, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped fine
• Salt and pepper
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground pork
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon plus 3/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 pound 85 percent lean ground beef
• 3/4 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Preparation

Step 1

Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 375 degrees. Microwave water and porcini mushrooms in covered bowl until steaming, about 1 minute. Let sit until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove porcini from bowl with fork and mince. Strain porcini liquid through fine-mesh strainer lined with coffee filter; reserve ¾ cup.


2. Process saltines in food processor until finely ground, about 30 seconds; transfer to large bowl. Pulse half of white mushrooms in processor until finely ground, 8 to 10 pulses.


3. Heat oil in 12-inch nonstick ovensafe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add onion and cook until browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Add processed white mushrooms and ¼ teaspoon salt and cook until liquid evaporates and mushrooms begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Transfer to bowl with saltines and let cool completely, about 15 minutes.


4. Add pork, eggs, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire, 1 teaspoon salt, ¾ teaspoon pepper, and ¼ cup reserved porcini liquid to cooled white mushroom– saltine mixture and knead gently until mostly combined. Add beef and knead until well combined. Transfer meat mixture to now-empty skillet and shape into 10 by 6-inch loaf. Bake until meatloaf registers 160 degrees, 45 to 55 minutes. Transfer meatloaf to carving board using spatula and tent loosely with aluminum foil.


5. Thinly slice remaining white mushrooms. Discard any solids in skillet and pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat. Heat fat over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add sliced white mushrooms and minced porcini mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in thyme and ¼ teaspoon salt and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add flour and cook, stirring frequently, until golden, about 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in broth, remaining ½ cup reserved porcini liquid, and remaining ¾ teaspoon Worcestershire, scraping up any browned bits, and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, whisking occasionally, until thickened, 10 to 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Slice meatloaf and serve with mushroom gravy.