Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf

 

6 slices white bread

1 cup milk
2 lbs. ground beef
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/3 cup minced flat-leaf parsley (optional)
¼ tsp. salt
1/3 cup petite diced red and yellow bell pepper
½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
¼ tsp. seasoned salt
1 clove garlic, minced
4 eggs, lightly beaten
10 slices bacon
1½ cup ketchup
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. dry mustard
½ tsp. hot sauce
 

1.       Preheat oven to 350.

2.       Pour milk over bread slices in a small bowl; let stand 5 minutes.

3.       Combine bread, beef and next 8 ingredients in a large bowl. Shape mixture into a 9x5 loaf. Place on lightly greased rack in a foil-lined broiler pan. Arrange bacon over loaf horizontally, overlapping slices and tucking under loaf.

4.       Whisk ketchup and remaining ingredients in small bowl. Pour 1/3 of mixture over top of loaf; spread to cover. Bake 45 minutes. Pour 1/3 of sauce over loaf. Bake additional 15 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest portion reaches 160. Let stand 10 minutes. Slice and serve with remaining 1/3 sauce.