Bacon Barbecue Meatloaf

Every issue of Southern Cast Iron magazine always has that ONE recipe that immediately catches my attention.  The recipe had this recipe divided into individual portions and cooked in separate 4-inch cast iron skillets.  Granted, if I had guests for dinner or if the kids were still around the supper table, I would have probably done the same.  But with supper just for me and Sweet Harold tonight, I followed the alternate suggestion, and baked one large meat loaf in a 10-inch skillet.  

This version was flavorful, moist, and very tender.  After all, anything covered in a lattice of bacon has to be delicious, right?

1 cup fresh bread crumbs (about 2 slices of bread)

1/4 cup milk

2 pounds lean ground beef

2 large eggs, beaten

1/2 cup minced onion

1/2 cup barbecue sauce, divided

2 t. chopped fresh parsley

1 t. kosher salt

1 t. minced garlic

1/2 t. ground black pepper

12 or 16 oz. bacon**

1/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar

1/4 cup ketchup

**if you're using the smaller individual skillets, use 16 oz. bacon and cut the slices in half crosswise; if you're using the 10-inch skillet, 12 oz. of bacon will work nicely.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  If using the smaller skillets, place them on a rimmed baking sheet.

In a large bowl, stir together bread crumbs and milk.  Let stand for 5 minutes.

Using your hands, stir beef, eggs, onion, 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, parsley, salt, garlic, and pepper into bread crumb mixture until well combined.  Divide meat mixture into individual skillets if using them, gently patting to fill skillets.  If using the larger skillet shape into a loaf.

Divide bacon pieces among skillets, topping meat mixture in a crisscross pattern.  Here's in my single meat loaf topped with bacon in a lattice work pattern.

Bake for 40 minutes and then increase temperature to 425 degrees F.  Bake until bacon is browned and crisp (about 5 minutes) and a meat thermometer inserted in the center registers 160 degrees F.

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ketchup, and remaining 1/4 cup BBQ sauce.  Brush glaze onto the bacon and place under the broiler for another few minutes until the glaze sets and begins to bubble.

Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.  Pour off any excess fat, if desired.

Serve with mashed potatoes and a vegetable for a delicious comfort food meal.

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