The Best Meatloaf Recipe of All Meatloaf Recipes

Best Meatloaf Recipe

serves 6

1 1/2 lbs ground beef, 85-90% lean (you want lean because you will be adding bacon fat)

8 slices good-quality bacon

1 slice bread, torn into small pieces

1 egg

1 t. salt

1/4 t. pepper

4 tablespoons ketchup

1/2 c. milk (whole milk is best)

1 small sweet onion, finely chopped

1/2 green pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional)

1 small clove garlic, minced

Topping

1/4 c. apple cider vinegar

1/4 c. packed brown sugar

1/2 c. ketchup

Preheat oven to 350 F. Fry bacon over medium heat until crisp. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain and reserve for another use. Spoon 3 T. bacon fat from pan into heatproof bowl and place in refrigerator. Leave a small amount of grease in pan and cook onion and garlic (and green pepper, if using) over medium heat until onion is just slightly tender.

Pour milk over bread in small bowl and let sit for five minutes, then mash with fork into smooth paste. In mixing bowl, break up ground beef into small pieces. Add egg, ketchup, salt, pepper, onion and garlic, bread paste, and reserved bacon fat. Knead together until thoroughly mixed.

Place in loaf pan, or shape into loaf and place on baking pan, smoothing top. Combine topping ingredients and pour over. Bake for 60-75 minutes.

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