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Meat Loaf (Or Meatballs)

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil, optional
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage leaves or 1 pinch dried
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 slices bacon, optional

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 350 F.
2. Grease a baking sheet or roasting pan with the olive oil.
3. Soak the bread crumbs in the milk in a bowl until the milk is absorbed, 5 minutes.
4. Add the meats, egg, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, onion, sage, and some salt and pepper and fold everything into the meat.
5. Mix just enough to distribute the flavorings without overworking the meat or it will become tough.
6. For meat loaf: Turn the meat mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping it into an oval mound.
7. Drape the bacon over the top.
8. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, brushing occasionally with the rendered pan juices.
9. When done, the meat loaf will be lightly browned and firm.
10. To check, insert a quick-read thermometer into the center; it should read 160 F.
11. Let the loaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Attribution