BASIC MEATLOAF
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, grated
1 TBS grated garlic
¾ cup ketchup
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¾ cup chicken broth
½ cup chopped fresh parsley
2 large eggs
⅔ cup breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 pounds ground beef chuck (15% fat)
6 thin strips bacon
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, then parchment paper.
Heat oil over medium in a small skillet. Cook onion and garlic, stirring occasionally, until very soft, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.
Meanwhile, bring ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and cayenne to a boil in a small saucepan, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced and syrupy, about 5 minutes. Transfer 2 tablespoons ketchup mixture to a blender; add broth and parsley and blend until smooth. Set remaining ketchup mixture aside.
Add broth mixture, eggs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, salt, and pepper to onion and garlic; mix to combine. Add beef and mix well with your hands to combine. Transfer meatloaf mixture to prepared pan and form into a long log (about 12"x5"), smoothing surface. Spread reserved ketchup mixture over top and drape bacon in a crisscross pattern over loaf, tucking underneath. Bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 165° and bacon is crisp, 70–80 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.