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1
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
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2
Add milk to bread crumbs and let sit.
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3
Saute bacon pieces until the fat is rendered and the bacon is crispy. Remove bacon bits to a dry clean paper towel.
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4
Add onion and carrot to the remaining grease. Don't even think about throwing any of it away. When onions are translucent, add garlic and tomato paste and saute for another 1-2 minutes. Let cool.
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5
In a food processor, add onion mixture and half of bacon bits. Process until finely minced.
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6
In a large bowl, add turkey, beef, bread crumb mixture, onion/bacon mixture (including drippings), egg, and salt and pepper. Combine by squeezing everything through your fingers until uniform. Put meat onto a large cookie sheet lined with foil and shape into a rectangular loaf. I try to get the dimensions so that 2-3 slices of meatloaf will fit onto whatever sandwich bread I currently have on hand.
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7
Mix ketchup and brown sugar and spread on the top and sides of meatloaf. Sprinkle with remaining bacon bits.
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8
Bake until firm and the edges have caramelized, about 45-60 minutes. This may take longer if you made a thicker meatloaf - mine was about 2 inches high and 10-12 inches long.
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9
Enjoy...but save some for sandwiches with fresh tomato and lettuce!
