Cooking Steps

• Arrange a rack in the bottom third of the oven, and heat to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet or other baking dish with aluminum foil.
• Combine 1 cup torn-up bread pieces and ½ cup whole or 2% milk in a small bowl. Let stand until the bread has broken down into a thick porridge.
• Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until the onions are translucent, then add the minced garlic.
• In a large bowl, combine ground meat, beaten eggs, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, black pepper, soaked bread and milk, and cooked vegetables.
• Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the baking sheet or baking dish. Shape it into a rough 9x5-inch loaf.
• Spread ¼ cup of the ketchup mixture over the meatloaf. Alternatively, drape the loaf with bacon slices.
• Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes.
• Spread the remaining ¼ cup ketchup over the loaf. Bake until the middle of the loaf registers at least 155°F, about 10 to 15 minutes more.
• Let the loaf cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Cut into thick slices and serve.