Recipe By: @emeril

🔥 Fun Fact: Meatloaf became an American staple during the Great Depression, when families stretched inexpensive ground meat with breadcrumbs, onions, milk, and seasonings into hearty, economical dinners.

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3/4 cup coarse dry breadcrumbs, preferably homemade
2 large eggs, beaten
3/4 cup heavy cream
2 tsp olive oil
3 oz thick-cut smoked bacon, diced
2 cups finely chopped onion
1 cup finely chopped celery
1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper
1/4 cup minced and seeded jalapeño peppers, from about 2 medium peppers
3 tbsp minced garlic
1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
1 tbsp Emeril’s Original Essence
1 tsp salt
2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, divided
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 cup chopped green onions
2 tbsp minced fresh parsley
1 1/2 lb ground chuck
3/4 lb fresh hot pork sausage
1 cup chili sauce
2 tbsp dark brown sugar
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1️⃣ Make the panade
Combine the breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, and heavy cream in a large mixing bowl. Set aside so the breadcrumbs can absorb the liquid.

2️⃣ Crisp the bacon
Add the olive oil and diced bacon to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until the bacon is crisp, 8 to 10 minutes.

3️⃣ Build the flavor base
Add the onion, celery, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are very soft and lightly caramelized, about 10 minutes.

4️⃣ Season the vegetables
Stir in the garlic, thyme, Emeril’s Original Essence, salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and cayenne. Cook for 2 minutes.

5️⃣ Finish the aromatics
Add the green onions and parsley. Stir to combine, then transfer the mixture to a plate and let it cool slightly.

6️⃣ Heat the oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F. For an air fryer, preheat to 350°F.

7️⃣ Mix gently
Crumble the ground chuck and hot pork sausage into the bowl with the panade. Fold lightly to combine, then add the cooled vegetable mixture. Continue folding just until everything is evenly distributed. Do not overwork the meat.

8️⃣ Shape the loaf
Lightly grease a small, low-sided baking dish or a 1 1/2-quart oval gratin dish. Add the meat mixture and form it into a wide loaf.

9️⃣ Make it glossy
Stir together the chili sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and remaining 1 teaspoon black pepper. Pour the glaze over the meatloaf and spread it evenly across the top.

🔟 Bake and rest
Bake uncovered until the center reaches 160°F, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Let the meatloaf rest briefly before slicing.

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