1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
2 eggs
1 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (I use gluten free bread)
1 small white or yellow onion finely chopped (mince in food processor)
1/2 tsp spice mix (I use one made at a local butcher with paprika, mustard, garlic, etc.)
1/2 tsp salt (to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper (to taste)
7 strips uncooked bacon
1/2 cup tomato sauce or ketchup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or five slices
Preheat oven to 350
in a large bowl mix beef and pork, onion, eggs, breadcrumbs, spices and ketchup along with 4 pieces of bacon cut into small pieces - mix with wooden spoon or your hands until completely blended.
Place 1/2 meat mixture into a 9 inch round baking pan (the type for layer cakes) smooth top and place cheese in center, leaving a space about 1/2 inch around the sides. Cover with remaining meat mixture creating a dome shape, mounded at the center and press in at edges to give a lip for juices to collect. Cover top of meatloaf with the three strips of bacon like the spoke of a wheel and brush top with more ketchup.
Place oven-safe thermometer into side of meatloaf and place pan ontop of a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 1 hour 20-30 min until thermometer shows 170.
Allow meatloaf to rest at least five-ten mintues before serving - serves 8. Great as leftovers.