Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1/2 lb mushroom, finely chopped
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh oregano (I used same amount of dried)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme (I used same amount of dried)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 1 lb ground lean pork
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 lb ground veal (I couldn't find so used another pound of beef)
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 lbs sliced bacon (precooked in the micro till slightly crisp)

Method

  • In a large skillet over medium high heat, heat the olive oil.
  • Saute the onions until translucent, about 8 minutes.
  • Add the mushrooms and garlic and cook over medium high heat for 3 or 5 minutes.
  • Add the cream, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper.
  • Bring mixture to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
  • Cool vegetable mixture.
  • In large bowl, combine the beef, pork, veal and vegetable mixture.
  • Stir in the egg.
  • Preheat oven to 400°F.
  • Place a 9 x 5 x 2 1/2-inch loaf pan with the short side facing you.
  • Take bacon slices and place them across the pan, slightly overlapping, to line the bottom and sides.
  • Continue with the meat mixture, patting down to level.
  • Fold the ends of the bacon strips up and over the ground meat mixture.
  • Place the loaf pan in a larger baking or roasting pan and fill the larger pan with boiling water halfway up the sides of the loaf pan. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
  • Remove the foil and continue to bake 30 minutes or until an instant read thermometer registers 165°F.
  • Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes.
  • Carefully pour the juices out of the pan.
  • Cut into 8 slices.
  • To freeze: Meatloaf can be mixed, formed into a loaf and frozen before cooking. To bake a frozen loaf, use the standard method but bake 1-1/2 to 2 times longer. Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. Or thaw completely in the refrigerator and cook as directions require.
  • To freeze: Whole baked meat loaves can also be frozen. Bake as usual, let cool to room temperature, wrap in foil, place in a sealed plastic bag, and store in the freezer up to 6 months.