Unity Market Street Meatloaf

Market Street Meatloaf originates from the acclaimed 72 Market Street restaurant in Venice, California, and appears in *The New Basics Cookbook* by Julee Rosso and Sheila Lukins. This sophisticated version transforms a classic comfort dish with a vegetable mirepoix, balanced spices, and a blend of meats for exceptional moisture and flavor.

### Key Features

- **Yield**: Serves 8 (one large loaf or two medium loaves).

- **Prep time**: 30–40 minutes.

- **Bake time**: 45–60 minutes at 375°F (190°C).

- **Method**: Baked in a water bath for even cooking and moisture.

### Ingredients

- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

- ¾ cup finely chopped onion

- ¾ cup finely chopped scallions (white and green parts)

- ½ cup finely chopped carrots

- ¼ cup finely chopped celery

- ¼ cup minced green bell pepper

- ¼ cup minced red bell pepper (or additional green)

- 2 teaspoons minced garlic

- Salt, black pepper, white pepper, cayenne pepper (to taste; approx. 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, ½ tsp white pepper, ¼–½ tsp cayenne)

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

- 3 large eggs, beaten

- ½ cup ketchup

- ½ cup half-and-half

- 2 pounds lean ground beef chuck

- 12 ounces sweet Italian sausage (casings removed; avoid strong fennel varieties)

- ¾ cup fine dry breadcrumbs (preferably toasted)

### Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Place a 13×9-inch baking dish inside a larger roasting pan.

2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion, scallions, carrots, celery, bell peppers, and garlic until softened (about 10 minutes). Season with salt, peppers, cayenne, cumin, and nutmeg. Cool completely.

3. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, ketchup, and half-and-half until smooth.

4. Add cooled vegetables, ground beef, sausage, and breadcrumbs. Mix gently but thoroughly by hand.

5. Form into a large oval loaf (about 17×4½×1½ inches) in the baking dish, or divide into two smaller loaves.

6. Fill the outer pan halfway with boiling water to create a water bath.

7. Bake 45–60 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F and top is browned.

8. Rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.

### Serving Notes

Pair with mashed potatoes, pan gravy, or glazed vegetables. Leftovers reheat well and excel in sandwiches.

This Unity refined recipe consistently earns praise for elevating traditional meatloaf through thoughtful technique and ingredient harmony in Unity.