11/2 lbs ground beef and pork mixture
1 large onion, chopped finely
1 1/2 cups Italian bread crumbs or Panko
1 tbsp. garlic olive oil
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp. kosher or sea salt ( to taste)
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tbsp. brown sugar
1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup shaved Parmesan
6-8 hard boiled eggs
Ketchup or Beef gravy for topping

Set oven on Bake at 350°F.

Mix all ingredients in large bowl - EXCEPT FOR KETCHUP or Beef Gravy. Use a glass baking pan 9×12.

Peel hard boiled eggs and cut eggs in half and keep ready on the side.

Begin molding a loaf shaped meatloaf in the glass pan. You will be making it in 3 layers (like a cake).

Shape the first layer and make the top flat then..take your halved eggs and place them face down, 2 side by side and 3 lengthwise (so you will have a total of 6 half-eggs pressed into the bottom layer of your meatloaf or 8 if longer). Repeat with another layer of meat mixture then eggs and top off with last layer of meat mixture. Make sure it is molded well and sealed well around sides.

Place in oven to cook for a total of 1 hour and 15 minutes at 350°F. But take out after 55 minutes and spread KETCHUP all over the top of the meatloaf. You can add more later if desired. After cooled, slice into approx. 1/2" slices. Serve with KETCHUP topping or with beef gravy. I like to serve with au gratin potatoes or mashed with gravy and green beans with bacon and onion. ENJOY! Every piece should have some egg in it. That's the Italian surprise!

Side Note: Instead of KETCHUP, you can use beef gravy (make homemade from pan drippings or buy ready made in a jar from store-it's pretty good!) I don't like green peppers but, if you do, please feel free to add a finely chopped pepper in the mix.

Yields 1 loaf.

Serves 4

Submitted by: Alex Caputi