Extraordinary Entree: Meatloaf

Ingredients
Meatloaf:
1/2 yellow onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef

1/2 pound lump sausage
1/4 teaspoon salt  

1/4 teaspoon pepper 

1/4 cup ketchup
1 cup bread crumbs
1 overripe banana (yes...you read that right! Check out the inspiration at allrecipes.com)
1 large egg
2 teaspoon yellow mustard

Topping:
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons prepared Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons brown sugar

Gravy:
1 cup fresh sliced mushrooms
2 tablespoons minced onion
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Directions 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

In a blender pulse together the onion and garlic into a paste. Set aside.

In a large bowl, thoroughly mix together the onion-garlic paste with all of the meatloaf ingredients.

Press the meat mixture into a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

Topping: Only do this step if you're not doing the gravy below. In a small bowl, stir together remaining mustard, ketchup and brown sugar; pour on top of the meat loaf.

Bake in preheated oven for 2 hours.  Allow to rest for about 15 minutes before slicing.

Gravy: Only do this step if you're not doing the topping.  While the meatloaf is resting, prepare the gravy. In a medium saucepan, melt butter or margarine over medium heat. Add mushrooms and onions; cook and stir until tender. Add beef broth; simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Combine water and cornstarch in a small cup; stir into broth. Cook and stir for 1 minute, or until thickened.