TEX'S FAVORITE MEATLOAF

Tex loves meatloaf. Yes, I know - - - but he does. I could make it every week and I don't think he would complain. For the working woman...that comes home at lunch....I start the first part of the recipe. This makes it go faster when I get home.


2 tbls. butter
1 large onion
1 rib celery, finely chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped ( or sub. green bell pepper)
2 tsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. chopped thyme leaves
1 tsp. chopped rosemary
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley (1 tbls. dried)
2 eggs
1 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1Tbls Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream (milk)
2/3 cup Breadcrumbs
1 lb ground beaf
1 lb sausage (I use only Jimmy Dean or you can substitute hamburger)
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. pepper
4 slices bacon (cut in half)

In skillet heat butter and add onion, celery, pepper and cook, stirring occasional, until softened and beginning to carmaelize (about 6 minutes).
Add garlic, thyme, rosemary, & parsley and cook for 2 minutes (less if using dried seasonings). Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Then transfer to bowl, add eggs, mustard, 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce and cream. Mix and add bread crumbs, meat, salt, pepper, and mix until combined.
Transfer into 9 x 5 x 3 loaf pan - -with your hands form a loaf shape
Arrange slices of bacon on top of meatlaf.
Cover with remaining 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (may need additional).
Bake  at 350 for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the bacon and sauce are slightly caramelized.
Let stand


This recipe was orginally from Emeril. But I have Carolaized it. It is a little easier and cheaper.
One of the things I like about this recipe in that cooking the first 3 ingrediants make this a better meatloaf in my estimation. PLUS....you can always improvise....like don't have bell pepper or celery......then don't put it in. It still turns out.

Also makes GREAT sandwiches!