Lucca's Meatloaf

Step 1: Set the oven at 375 degrees. Have on hand a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the carrots, onion, celery, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring often, for 10 minutes or until the vegetables soften. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: In a bowl, combine the ground beef, panko, eggs, herbes de Provence, milk, 1 tablespoon of the Worcestershire sauce, cooled vegetables and a large pinch each of salt and pepper. With clean hands, work the mixture until thoroughly blended.

Step 4: In the baking dish, form the mixture into a 12-by-3-inch loaf.

Step 5: Bake the meat loaf for 45 minutes.

Step 6: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix the ketchup, brown sugar, and remaining 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.

Step 7: Remove the meat loaf from the oven and coat the top with the ketchup mixture. Continue baking for 30 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 160 degrees. (Total baking time is 1 hour and 15 minutes.) Remove from the oven and let stand in a warm place for 5 minutes.