Mom's Meatloaf (German Falsche Hase)

Ingredients

• 1 1/3 lbs ground beef (I like it with ground round)
• 2 eggs
• 3 tablespoons onions, finely chopped
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 slice white bread, torn into 1/2 inch chunks
• 1/8-1/4 cup milk
• 1 slice bacon, uncooked, cut crosswise into narrow strips (1/4-inch x 1-inch slivers)
• 1 tablespoon fine breadcrumb (generous, a grated hard roll, oats or wheat germ will do)
• 1 tablespoon catsup (generous)

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

2. 2

   Soak white bread in enough milk to make a mush, set aside.

3. 3

   Mix together ground beef, eggs, onion, salt and pepper; blend well.

4. 4

   Add bread/milk mixture to the meat mixture.

5. 5

   Pat meat into a loaf shape and place onto baking sheet with a lip to catch drippings (line the pan with foil for easy cleanup).

6. 6

   Press bacon slivers gently into top of loaf with pointed tip of a knife.

7. 7

   Spoon catsup generously on top of meatloaf, then sprinkle with fine breadcrumbs.

8. 8

   Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the meat is nicely browned and topping is caramelized.

9. 9

   Leftovers make very delectable sandwiches the following day, so you may wish to double the recipe and make two loaves! I prefer white bread for mine, with just a little catsup. DH likes his with whole grain wheat bread and lotsa catsup. I hope you enjoy :).