This is our mama's recipe from La Cucina Marinello and a family favorite. This recipe will serve six, hopefully with leftovers. You can add potatoes and other root vegetables. Just cut to desired size, toss with a little olive oil, salt and pepper and scatter around the meatloaf. Bake as directed.
Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
1 - 2 tablespoons extra- virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 garlic cloves, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons water
1 cup fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
½ cup ketchup or barbecue sauce, divided
2 large eggs, beaten
½ cup Romano or Parmesan cheese
½ cup unseasoned breadcrumbs
4 –6 thick cut bacon slices
2 cups hot water
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a medium skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 5 to 10 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Add garlic and sauté for an additional 1 to 2 minutes or until fragrant. Remove skillet from the heat; add ¼ cup ketchup or barbecue sauce and 2 tablespoons water. Mix until well combined; cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, onion mixture, parsley, eggs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. Mix lightly with a large fork until ingredients are well blended. Do not mash the mixture or meatloaf will be dense. Using your hands, carefully shape mixture into a loaf shape and place in a 9 by 12-inch baking pan.
Cut 3 strips of bacon in half and place them along the width of the meatloaf. Take the remaining slices and place them down the length of the meatloaf. Cover the meatloaf with the remaining ¼ cup of ketchup. Lightly sprinkle top of meatloaf with water.
Optional: Place a pan filled with 2 cups hot water in the oven, under the meatloaf. The moisture from the water will keep meatloaf moist and the top from cracking.
Bake uncovered for 1 to 1 ¼ hours. If bacon is not brown, place the meatloaf under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes or until bacon is browned. Watch closely so bacon does not burn.
Recipe by Food and Friendship at https://www.foodandfriendshipsantabarbara.com/2018/11/12/feeding-a-crowd-when-its-not-yet-thanksgiving/