Amazing Meatloaf - My Way

I get raves on this from anyone and everyone that eats it - meatloaf lovers and non-lovers. I know it looks like a lot of ingredients, but almost all are things I regularly have on hand. You gotta put some flavor into it- otherwise, just bake a chunk of meat and it will taste like 80% of the other meatloaf recipe's on this site. Please enjoy and if you have any recommendations please share.

• Ready In: 1 hr 50 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 3⁄4 lb  85% lean ground beef
• 1⁄2 lb ground pork
• 1⁄4 lb  ground veal
• 3  slices bacon
• 1  red bell pepper, finely minced
• 3  shallots, finely minced
• 3  garlic cloves, finely minced
• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 1 (10 1/2ounce) can  cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (8 ounce) package  Lipton Onion Soup Mix
• 1  egg
• 3  tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1  cup crouton, store-bought cheese and garlic
• 3  tablespoons oatmeal
• 3  tablespoons ketchup, 2-3 good squirts
• 1⁄8 cup olive oil
• 3  tablespoons  mixed Italian herbs
• 2  teaspoons garlic powder
• 3  tablespoons parmesan cheese
•  salt & pepper, to taste
• 3  tablespoons  McCormick's Montreal Brand steak seasoning

• Topping Sauce

• 1⁄2 cup ketchup
• 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
• 4  tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the bacon in a saute pan until crisp. Remove bacon, save for a BLT or something else (will not be used in the meatloaf).
3. In the same pan of the bacon fat, add the 2 tbl of olive oil and saute red peppers, shallots and garlic until soft, about 5-8 minutes (do not burn).
4. Take the croutons, put them into a plastic bag, and crush with a meat mallet until very finely crushed.
5. In a large bowl, mix the meat and the remainder of the ingredients (except the Montreal steak seasoning) by hand, not overworking, until everything is just combined. Season with salt and pepper.
6. On a baking sheet, spray with a non-stick cooking spray, and dump the meat mixture onto it. Form into a loaf.
7. Top with the Montreal steak seasoning.
8. Bake until center reaches 160°F, about 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours, or until cooked through.
9. Serve with a sauce.
10. Topping Sauce: Heat ketchup, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until combined.