Alabama Meat Loaf

Ingredients

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 large green bell pepper, minced (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 small onion, minced (about 1/2 cup)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 4 cups soft breadcrumbs
• 3/4 cup finely chopped smoked ham
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 4 bacon slices

Preparation

1. Stir together ground beef and next 11 ingredients in a large bowl just until combined. Shape mixture into 2 (9- x 4-inch) loaves; place in an aluminum foil-lined broiler pan.
2. Pour half of tomato sauce evenly over each loaf, and arrange 2 bacon slices over each loaf.
3. Bake at 350° for 1 hour. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
4. Mini Alabama Meat Loaves: Shape mixture into 12 (2- x 4-inch) loaves, and arrange on a rack in a foil-lined broiler pan. Bake 40 to 45 minutes.
5. To make ahead: Omit tomato sauce and bacon. Wrap unbaked meat loaf in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze up to 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator overnight, unwrap, and proceed as directed.