Divine’s Hearty Meatloaf

This meatloaf is made with a mix of ground meats, not only to make it more moist and tender, but also to add a different depth of flavor.


Serves 6  Prep and Cooking Time  80 minutes

1 pack bacon
1/2 kilo ground beef
1/2 kilo ground pork
2 large red or green bell peppers, coarsely chopped
1 large white onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/3 teaspoon oregano
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs or 3/4 cup
crushed saltine crackers
ketchup or barbecue sauce for basting

1  Preheat oven to 350°F.

2  Line a 9-inch loaf pan with bacon strips horizontally.

3  In a large bowl, combine ground beef and pork, bell peppers, onions, cheese, garlic, basil, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is well incorporated. Add a few tablespoons of soy sauce if desired.

4  Add eggs, then breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers to the mixture last. Mix well.

5  Check taste of meatloaf by frying a small piece in a pan. Adjust seasoning to taste.

6  When desired taste is achieved, press meat into bacon-lined loaf pan and fold ends of bacon on top of mixture. Baste with ketchup or barbecue sauce.

7  Bake in preheated oven, covered with foil for the first 30 minutes, basting the top occasionally with barbecue sauce or ketchup during cooking.

8  Remove foil and cook for 20 to 30 minutes more or until meatloaf is cooked through. Let cool before slicing into ½-inch thick pieces.
 

Photography by David Hanson │ Styling by Sharlene Tan