Country Herbed Meat Loaf

Ingredients

• 1  bay leaves 
• 28 ounces canned tomatoes crushed canned
• 2  eggs beaten
• 2 tablespoons basil dried fresh chopped
• 8 ounces mushrooms fresh chopped
• 8 ounces mushrooms fresh chopped
• 1  garlic clove minced
• 2 pounds ground beef 
• 3 tablespoons milk 
• 0.3 cup olive oil 
• 1 large onion finely chopped
• 0.1 teaspoon pepper 
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs dry
• 2 teaspoons sugar 
• 6 ounces canned tomatoes canned
• 1 cup water 

Equipment

• frying pan
• oven
• loaf pan
• roasting pan
• kitchen thermometer

Directions

1. In a skillet, heat oil on high.
2. Saute the mushrooms; onion and garlic.
3. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper and sugar.
4. Remove 1-1/2 cups.
5. Add water, bay leaf and basil to skillet. Simmer, uncovered, for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Meanwhile, combine all meat loaf ingredients with 1-1/2 cups reserved sauce. press into a 9-in. x 5-in. loaf pan lined with waxed paper. Unmold onto a roasting pan.
7. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until no pink remains and a thermometer reads 160°.
8. Remove from oven; drain.
9. Spread 1/2 cup of herb sauce over top of meat loaf. Return to oven for 15 minutes. Discard bay leaf and serve remaining sauce over individual servings.