Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground venison
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1/2 pound ground veal
  • 1 cup cracker crumbs
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 can tomato paste, divided
  • 1 medium onion, diced, sauteed until soft
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced, sauteed with oniom until fragrant
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup Coca-Cola

Method

  • Preheat oven to 400. Mix all but last four ingredients and half of the tomato paste. Use your hands; only way to effectively do it. pat mixture into a deep-dish pie pan abd bake for 15 minutes.
  • Mix reserved tomato paste, ketchup, vinegar and sugar, After 15 minutes, baste top of meat loaf with sauce and lower heat to 325. Bake, basting every 15 minutes, for another hour. Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes.
  • In a small saucepan, combine remaining sauce and Coca-Cola. Heat over medium high, stirring often and watching closely, until reduced to thick sauce consistency. Serve with meatloaf wedges.
  • Using the pie plate means a higher proportion of the crispy exterior, which I love. If you prefer, by all means use a loaf pan or baking sheet.