BBQ Bacon Meatloaf

   I had some interest in this recipe on Facebook so I thought I would post the recipe, as well as all the changes I made, so I can refer back to it. If I can brag a little bit, I'm really good at starting with a recipe and making it my own. But I'm not always the best at coming up with a recipe out of thin air so this is a recipe that I found on a blog (thank you Pinterest) and I added and changed some ingredients. And since I didn't take any pictures of the process and haven't researched copyright and plagiarism laws yet (as far as blogging goes) I must give credit to the original recipe. Plus, if you absolutely love Bacon, you'll probably want to try her recipe first. We are not huge bacon fans, though I like it more now than I did before (pregnancy sure changes everything! That is, previous pregnancies... Don't need to start any rumors!) so I used less bacon and put it into the meatloaf, not around the meatloaf.

   You will first need your favorite BBQ sauce. The original recipe has one but I decided to use the one from Grandma's Molasses:

• 1/2 cup Ketchup
• 1/4 cup Molasses
• 2 T vinegar (I used apple cider vinegar)
• 2 T Dijon Mustard (I used whole grain mustard, the same that's in the meatloaf)
• 1 T Worcestershire Sauce
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
• 1/4 tsp Hot Sauce

Combine all ingredients. Ready to serve.
Optional: Mix everything in a small sauce pan and bring to a simmer for 10 minutes. Turn off heat or leave on low until ready to use.

BBQ Bacon Meatloaf adapted from Barbecue Meatloaf by Simply Scratch
   My recipe serves 4

• 1 lb Lean Ground Beef (I used 93/7)
• 1/2 C Chopped Onion
• 1/3 C BBQ Sauce (Plus more for basting)
• 1 T Whole Grain Mustard
• 1/2 tsp Chili Powder
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Pepper
• 1/4 C Bread Crumbs (I used GF Homemade Bread Crumbs, original recipe calls for Saltine crackers)
• 1 Egg
• 4-6 Slices of Bacon, precooked to the crispness that you prefer

   The following you may omit but I believe they make a juicier meatloaf and I always include in any of my meatloaves. It also makes the meatloaf go a little further and adds ingredients that your kids may not eat otherwise.

• 2 T finely diced Carrots
• 2 T finely diced Celery
• 2 T finely diced Zucchini or Yellow Squash
• (You could include the Onion from above to save time dicing)

   Put all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped or whatever size you can sneak past your kids=)

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Combine all ingredients, except meat, and mix well.
3. Combine mixture with meat but do not over mix.
4. Press into loaf pan (sprayed with non-stick spray) or form into a mound on a baking sheet lined with foil. (This was my first time using a baking sheet vs. a loaf pan and I have to say, I will never go back to a loaf pan!)
5. Baste with a generous amount of BBQ Sauce
6. Cook for 35-45 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160 degrees. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing.

**This would make an amazing meatloaf sandwich! Keep in mind, it's a bit crumbly. My meatloaf always is. I think it's because of the added veggies and low fat ratio. I will work on this but I think the dietary gain outweighs the need for a stable slice of meatloaf.
**This recipe can easily be made gluten free by checking labels before you buy and substituting your commonly used gluten free condiments for the BBQ sauce.

   I'd love to know what you think! This is my first official recipe post. I can't wait to do more and hopefully include pictures next time. My dream is to someday have my own cooking blog. We all have to start somewhere right?=)