Italian Meatloaf using Ground Turkey

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 1/2 lbs ground beef or chuck (or turkey!)
• 2 large peppers, red or green, coarsely chopped
• 1 16 oz can diced tomatoes
• 1 large sweet onion, chopped
• 4 slices bacon
• 1 1/2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons minced or pressed garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon basil
• 1/3 teaspoon oregano
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley (do not substitute)
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt or beef bouillon powder
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup ketchup (or more as needed)
• onion and garlic powder to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 375°F.

In a large bowl, combine meat, eggs, seasonings and remaining ingredients except ketchup and bacon, adding breadcrumbs to mixture last. If meat is low in fat, add up to 1 tablespoon olive oil. Mix well.

Press meat into a loaf shaped pan, forming a dome shape. Brush top with ketchup and sprinkle with onion and garlic powder, salt and pepper. Cover with bacon slices. Baste occasionally with additional ketchup during cooking, being careful not to allow oven to get cold or additional cooking time will be required. If desired, cover with thinly sliced onions.

Bake uncovered 1 1/2 hours.

Variation: Substitute your favorite barbeque sauce for basting.