Traditional Meatloaf

So meatloaf..... it's one of those things that no one thinks they like, but is essentially one big meatball. People like meatballs, but not meatloaf? I don't get it either. Meatloaf is a highly sought after thing in my house. My husband and daughter LOVE it, and I have come up with a recipe that I find trumps most all others I've had. It's got traditional flavors that have been intensified and a sweet/spicy ketchup sauce on top. I just wish we had leftovers.... :(

I apologize I didn't get a picture... the folks I feed were starving to DEATH (yeah..) and couldn't wait any longer.

Meatloaf

1 lb ground pork
2 lbs ground beef 85/15
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1 large yellow onion
1 large green bell pepper
3 tbsp bacon fat
1 cup ketchup, divided
4 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, divided
3/4 cup 1 minute oats
2 1/4 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
4 tbsp packed brown sugar
4 dashes of your favorite hot sauce

Preheat your oven to 350º.

Dice onions and bell peppers and saute in the bacon fat until they are tender. Set aside to cool slightly.

In a large bowl, add your meat, eggs, cooled veggies, 2 tbsp of Worcestershire, 1/4 cup of the ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands and once combined, sprinkle in oats, mixing again with your hands.

Once prepared, press the mixture into your loaf pan (you can also free form a loaf onto a baking sheet, but cooking time should be adjusted) and pat the top flat. Place the pan on a baking sheet lined with foil. Depending on the size of your loaf pan, there may be some drippings that spill out and this will allow for an easier clean up. Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until it reads an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

While the meatloaf is baking, you can mix your ingredients to make the sauce. Add the remaining 3/4 cup ketchup, remaining 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, sugar, and hot sauce and whisk until sugar has dissolved some. Taste the sauce and adjust to your liking if necessary. After 1 hour of baking, spoon the sauce generously all over the top of the meatloaf and allow to finish baking in the oven.

Once it's done baking, allow to sit and rest for 5-8 minutes before slicing and serving. Slicing too soon will result in a loss of juicy goodness. Enjoy!