Ingredients

4 slices bacon 1 1/2 lbs. lean ground chuck or ground round 1 cup firm fresh white bread crumbs 1 cup coarsely shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 4 oz.) 1 large sweet onion, such as Vidalia, chopped 2 tbsp. regular or low-fat mayonnaise 2 tbsp. India or other sweet pickle relish2 tsp. dry mustard 3/4 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper 1 egg 1/4 cup ketchup 1. Preheat the oven to 350F. In a medium skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it is limp and some of the fat is rendered, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and reserve it. 2. In a large mixing bowl, use your hands to gently but thoroughly mix together the meat, bread crumbs, 1/2 cup of the cheese, onion, mayonnaise, relish, mustard, salt, pepper and egg. Pat the mixture into a shallow 2-quart baking pan. Spread the top of the loaf with the ketchup, then lay the bacon strips over the ketchup. Bake until the loaf is firm and the bacon is crisp, 45 to 50 minutes, sprinkling the top of the loaf with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese to melt during the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking. Internal temperature should be 155F. Let the meat loaf stand in the baking dish for 10 minutes, then cut into squares to serve. Makes 6 servings. 3. Leftovers: Reheat slices in a microwave and serve on sesame buns with lettuce, tomato and ketchup

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