Spectacular Bacon Meatloaf

My husband loves meatloaf.  He would eat it everyday if I would cook it for him.  Needless to say I am constantly creating new meatloaf recipes  in order to keep myself from getting bored cooking the same thing over and over again. 

Spectacular Bacon Meatloaf

2lbs ground beef

1lb bacon, divided

1c Italian bread crumbs

2 eggs, beaten

¾ c milk

1tbsp charbroil seasoning (or use a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper….seasoned to your tastes)

1tbsp worcestshire sauce

¾ c shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 onion, divided

In a large bowl combine eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs.  Mix well and let the bread crumb absorb the liquid.  Set aside. 

Cook all but seven slices of the bacon.  Set aside to cool. With the remaining bacon, create a lattice structure to layer on top of the meatloaf.  Use 3 full strips and cut the remaining for pieces in half for a total of 8 pieces.  Weave these between the longer strips and set aside. (see pic below)

Mmmm...bacon

Chop half the onion and add this to the bowl with the breadcrumb mixture.  Slice the other half of the onion, and sauté it in the bacon grease (you can also use butter or olive oil).   You want the onions to be translucent and just beginning to caramelize or turn slightly golden in color.  When onions are done set aside and allow them to cool.

 Add bacon, seasonings, worceshire, cheese, ground beef to the bowl.  Mix well.  Place mixture in a large loaf pan.  Layer sautéed onions on top of the meat, reserving a small amount.  Top with bacon lattice from previous step, tucking the ends of the bacon into the sides of the pan.  Finally garnish the meatloaf with the remaining onions.

Bake at 350*F for about 1hr 30min, and let sit for 15 minutes prior to serving.