Ingredients

• 2 pounds lean ground beef (15 percent fat)
• 1 pound coarsely grated whole-milk mozzarella cheese
• 1 pound sweet Italian sausages, casings removed, meat crumbled
• 2 cups chopped fresh basil
• 2 cups fresh breadcrumbs made from crustless French bread
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup chopped drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup tomato sauce, divided
• 3 large eggs, beaten to blend
• 1/2 cup dry red wine

Preparation

Preheat oven to 375°F. Combine first 11 ingredients in large bowl. Gently mix in 1/2 cup tomato sauce, eggs, and wine. Place meat mixture on large rimmed baking sheet and shape into 16x4-inch loaf. Brush with remaining 1/2 cup tomato sauce. Bake meat loaf until cooked through and thermometer inserted into center registers between 160°F and 170°F, about 1 hour 15 minutes.

Armandino Batali, Bon Appetit, September 2004