Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 cup finely chopped onion

• 1/2 cup finely chopped carrot

• 1/3 cup finely chopped celery

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef chuck

• 1/2 pound Italian sausage (hot or sweet)

• 1 1/4 cups fresh breadcrumbs

• 3 eggs

• 1 cup ketchup, divided

• 1/3 cup fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley, chopped

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Description

1. Melt the butter in a large skillet. Add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
2. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Set aside for about 10 minutes or until cool enough to handle.
3. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, cooled vegetables, eggs, 1/2 cup of the ketchup, fresh parsley, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Use your hands to mix together until everything is evenly distributed. Do not overwork.