Cheddar and Stout Meatloaf

Serves 8

2 tablespoons olive oil

2/3 cup chopped onions

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1/2 cup carrots, finely chopped

1/2 cup celery, finely chopped

3/4 cup crimini mushrooms, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

4 ounces french bread,  (about 2 1/2 cups, cubed)

1 cup whole milk

3/4 cup Stout ale

2 pounds grass-fed ground beef

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

10 ounces thin-sliced bacon (about 9 pieces)

Heat the oil in a 10- to -12 inch skillet over medium heat.  Cook the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and mushrooms until softened and just beginning to brown, about 6-8 minutes.  Add the stout ale and simmer until almost all of the liquid is gone, about 4-5 minutes.  Transfer to a large bowl and let cool.

Meanwhile,  in a shallow dish soak the bread and milk, flipping once, until soggy but not falling apart, 5-10 minutes, depending upon the freshness of your bread.  Gently squeeze the milk from the bread with your hands.  You will want the bread to be moist, but not drenched.  Finely chop the bread and add to the bowl of cooked vegetables.

Position rack to center of oven and pre-heat to 375°F.  Begin to add the remaining ingredients to the bowl of vegetables and milk soaked bread — ground beef,  eggs, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, and cheddar cheese.    Use your hands and gently mix all of the ingredients until just combined — try not to compact the mixture as you do this.

Line the bottom of a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.  Put the meatloaf mixture on the pan and form a 10 x 4 – inch rectangular block (it will become loaf shaped as it bakes).  Wrap the meatloaf with the bacon in a diagonal pattern.  Leave a 1/2- inch over hang around the edges and tuck under the meatloaf.  Some pieces of bacon will need to be trimmed.

Bake until an instant read thermometer inserted into the center of the meatloaf reads 160°F, 50-60 minutes.  Then, broil the meatloaf 6-inches below the heating element until the bacon is brown and crisped, about 3 minutes.  Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.  Enjoy!

Via: Relishing It