Italian Meatloaf

 

This is a blend of pork and beef with Italian seasonings and flavors. A winner every time.

 

1 ½ lbs ground beef                                                   

1 lb ground pork

2 large peppers, red or green, chopped                   

1 16 oz can diced tomatoes

1 large sweet onion, chopped                                   

4 slices bacon

1 ½ c Italian breadcrumbs                                         

¼ c grated Parmesan cheese

2 Tb minced or pressed garlic                                               

½ ts basil

⅓ ts oregano                                                              

⅓ c chopped fresh parsley (no substitute)

1 ts seasoned salt                                                       

2 eggs

⅓ ts ground black pepper                                          

⅓ c ketchup (or more as needed)

onion and garlic powder to taste

 

Preheat oven to 375°F.

In a large bowl, combine meat, eggs, seasonings and other ingredients except ketchup and bacon, adding bread crumbs to the mixture last.

If meat is low in fat, add up to 1 tablespoon oil or bacon fat. Mix well.

Press meat into a loaf shaped pan, forming a dome shape.

Brush top with ketchup and sprinkle with onion and garlic powder, salt and pepper.

Cover with bacon slices.

Baste occasionally with additional ketchup during cooking, being careful not to allow oven to get cold or additional cooking time will be required.

If desired, cover with thinly sliced onions.

Bake uncovered 1 1/2 hours.

 

Here are a few variations on the theme;

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You can substitute your favorite barbeque sauce for basting instead of the ketchup.

Try replacing 1/2 lb of ground beef with the same amount of ground lamb or wild game.