Recipe: Sokolowski's Classic Meatloaf (Sokolowski's University Inn)

Merry Christmas LaDonna! - Betsy

SOKOLOWSKI'S CLASSIC MEATLOAF
From Sokolowski's University Inn, Cleveland

"My mother said our Salisbury steak put three children through college," says Sokolowski. "But I have also had local chefs go crazy for my meatloaf. They could never figure out where the smoky taste came from. When I would share my recipe and tell them that I include bacon, they would roll their eyes in dumbfounded amazement."

1 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground veal
1/2 pound ground pork
3 to 4 ribs of celery, diced small
1 medium sweet onion, diced
1 pound thick-sliced bacon
3 eggs, beaten
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon granulated garlic
1 teaspoon pepper
2 ounces Worcestershire sauce
2 cups unseasoned breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup of your favorite ketchup-based topping (see prep note at end)
Food-release spray, such as Pam

In a small frying pan, combine diced celery, diced onion, 4 to 5 slices of diced bacon and butter. Saute until vegetables are soft and bacon is cooked (about 15 minutes). Allow to cool.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked vegetable mixture with meat, eggs, salt, garlic, pepper, Worcestershire sauce and breadcrumbs. Mix thoroughly by hand until ingredients are combined. Spray a flat tray with Pam and form your meatloaf into a football shape.

Spray foil with Pam and cover the meatloaf. Bake for 45 minutes in a 350 degree F oven.

Remove from oven and take foil cover off meatloaf. Add your favorite ketchup-based topping and continue to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. (Optional: add the remaining slices of bacon to the top of meatloaf at the beginning of the baking time.)

PREPARATION NOTE:
"You can always top your meatloaf with a simple slathering of ketchup, but Mike Sokolowski suggests improvising: Add in a little A1 Steak Sauce, teriyaki sauce and Worcestershire sauce, and then adjust according to taste. You can even mix in some orange sauce for a sweet-tang kick. "

Serves 6-8 people
Source: Ohio Magazine, November 2014 Issue
Photo and article: http://www.ohiomagazine.com/Main/Articles/5032.aspx