1 pound bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 onions, chopped
5 pounds ground beef
5 pounds spicy ground pork sausage
3 (10-ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained, and squeezed dry
3 (4-ounce) cans sliced black olives, drained
3 cups pistachio nuts, chopped
1 1/2 cups ketchup, plus more as needed, divided
3 eggs
1 (1.25-ounce) packet meatloaf seasoning mix
1 pound pepper jack cheese, cubed
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Place the bacon in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the onions and cook, stirring frequently, until the bacon is crisp and the onions are transparent, for about 6 to 8 minutes.
4. Drain off the excess grease and set the mixture aside to cool.
5. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, ground pork, cooled bacon and onion mixture, spinach, olives, pistachios, 1 cup ketchup, the eggs, and the meatloaf seasoning until well-blended.
6. Pat the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a large baking pan such as a roasting pan.
7. Poke the pepper jack cubes into the top of the meatloaf so they are completely covered.
8. Brush the top of the loaf with the remaining ketchup.
9. Bake until the internal temperature of the loaf reaches 180 degrees F, about 1 1/2 hours.
10. Let it rest for a few minutes and serve!
Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 16 servings