Recipe: Bubba's Diner Meat Loaf (with spinach and bacon)

BUBBA'S DINER MEAT LOAF

FOR THE SAUCE:
2 2/3 cups ketchup
1 1/3 cups Dijon mustard
6 tablespoons packed brown sugar
FOR THE MEAT LOAF:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion, diced
6 garlic cloves, minced
4 pounds lean ground beef
1 cup oatmeal, uncooked
4 eggs, beaten
2 cups chopped spinach
Salt and ground pepper (to taste)
8 bacon slices

TO MAKE THE SAUCE:
In a medium bowl, stir together all the ingredients until thoroughly combined. Set aside.

TO MAKE THE MEAT LOAF:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

In a small saute pan or skillet over medium heat, heat the oil and saute the onions until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the garlic and saute 2 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside to cool.

In a large bowl, combine the onion mixture, ground beef, oats, eggs, spinach, salt, pepper, and 2 cups of the sauce until well blended.

Pat the meat mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf pan (see note) and arrange the bacon slices on the top. Cover the meat loaf with the remaining sauce. Cover the loaf pan with aluminum foil.

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until browned and firm. Let cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.

Makes 8 servings (see note)
From: Bubba's Diner in San Anselmo, California
Source: Rock and Roll Diner by Sharon O'Connor's Menus and Music

Note from Betsy at Recipelink.com:
This recipe calls for one loaf pan, but I believe it will make 2 meat loaves / 16 servings (depending on how you slice it).