This Ultimate Classic Meatloaf is my next-level take on a classic. For those looking for something super simple, my Quick and Easy Meatloaf is perfect. Either way you go, both recipes will leave you with the key ingredient for a meatloaf sandwich the next day.

Ultimate Classic Meatloaf

For the best part, serve leftover meatloaf sandwiches. (Stacey Little/Southern Bite)

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 1 hour

Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground chuck (80/20)
• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 small white or yellow onion
• 1/2 small bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 large egg
• 2 to 3 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 6 slices thin-cut bacon

For the sauce:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or spray a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, stir the breadcrumbs and milk together; set aside to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the milk.
3. Roughly chop the onion, pepper and garlic.
4. Use a food processor or chopper to finely mince the vegetables; set aside. Alternately: finely mince the pepper, onion and garlic with a knife.
5. Add the egg, salt, pepper, Worcestershire, ketchup and chopped vegetables to the bread crumbs and mix to combine.
6. In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck with the egg, veggie and breadcrumb mixture until just combined. Mixing too much can result in a tough meatloaf.
7. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared pan and form into a loaf in the center of the pan.
8. In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup and mustard and spread it over the loaf.
9. Arrange the bacon over the top of the loaf and gently tuck the edges under the meatloaf.
10. Bake uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes or until the meatloaf is cooked through. An instant-read thermometer should show 160 degrees when inserted in the center.
11. If the bacon isn’t cooked to your liking, turn the broiler on low and place the meatloaf under the broiler in the middle of the oven, watching very carefully, until it’s browned to your liking.
12. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

To ensure a flavorful meatloaf, fry a small bit of the prepared meat mixture in a small skillet to taste for seasoning before forming it into a loaf in the pan and adjust accordingly.

This recipe originally appeared on SouthernBite.com. For more great recipes, visit the website or check out ”The Southern Bite Cookbook.”