Annacia'S Use It Up Meat Loaf

1. 1

   Heat 2 Tbs. of the oil in a 10- to 12-inch skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the onion, mushrooms, and garlic, stirring frequently, until softened and just beginning to brown, 6 to 8 minutes.Transfer to a large bowl and let cool until warm.

2. 2

   In a shallow dish that holds it in a single layer, soak the bread piece's in the milk, flipping once, until soggy but not falling apart, 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the coarseness and freshness of the bread. Lightly squeeze a handful of bread at a time to remove some of the milk (it should be wet but not drenched). Finely chop, or break into small pieces, and add to the bowl with the onion mixture.

3. 3

   Place a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 375 degrees F.

4. 4

   Add the beef, sausage and eggs to the onion mixture. Scatter the lemon zest, basil, thyme, and garam masala over the meat, and then sprinkle with the Worcestershire, 2-1/4 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoons pepper. Use your hands to gently mix all the ingredients until just combined; try not to compact the mixture as you do this.

5. 5

   Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment. Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the baking pan and form into a 10x4-inch rectangular block (it becomes loaf-shaped as it cooks). Finish the meatloaf by draping it with slightly overlapping strips of bacon, tucking the ends under the loaf.

6. 6

   Bake 40 to 55 minutes.

7. 7

   Broil the meatloaf about 6 inches from the broiler element until the bacon is brown and crisped, about 3 minutes, but watch it carefully. Let rest for 10 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board or serving platter with a large spatula and cut into 3/4 - to 1-inch-thick slices.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.