Bacon-Wrapped Meat Loaf

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1/2 lb mushroom, finely chopped
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh oregano (i used same amount of dried)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme (i used same amount of dried)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1 lb ground lean pork
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 lb ground veal (i couldn't find so used another pound of beef)
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 lbs sliced bacon (precooked in the micro till slightly crisp)

Directions

1. 1

   In a large skillet over medium high heat, heat the olive oil.

2. 2

   Saute the onions until translucent, about 8 minutes.

3. 3

   Add the mushrooms and garlic and cook over medium high heat for 3 or 5 minutes.

4. 4

   Add the cream, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper.

5. 5

   Bring mixture to a boil.

6. 6

   Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

7. 7

   Cool vegetable mixture.

8. 8

   In large bowl, combine the beef, pork, veal and vegetable mixture.

9. 9

   Stir in the egg.

10. 10

    Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

11. 11

    Place a 9 x 5 x 2 1/2-inch loaf pan with the short side facing you.

12. 12

    Take bacon slices and place them across the pan, slightly overlapping, to line the bottom and sides.

13. 13

    Continue with the meat mixture, patting down to level.

14. 14

    Fold the ends of the bacon strips up and over the ground meat mixture.

15. 15

    Place the loaf pan in a larger baking or roasting pan and fill the larger pan with boiling water halfway up the sides of the loaf pan. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.

16. 16

    Remove the foil and continue to bake 30 minutes or until an instant read thermometer registers 165 degrees F.

17. 17

    Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes.

18. 18

    Carefully pour the juices out of the pan.

19. 19

    Cut into 8 slices.

20. 20

    To freeze:Meatloaf can be mixed, formed into a loaf and frozen before cooking. To bake a frozen loaf, use the standard method but bake 1-1/2 to 2 times longer. Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. Or thaw completely in the refrigerator and cook as directions require.

21. 21

    To freeze: Whole baked meat loaves can also be frozen. Bake as usual, let cool to room temperature, wrap in foil, place in a sealed plastic bag, and store in the freezer up to 6 months.