Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°.

Step 2

Make the glaze by stirring together the ketchup, brown sugar and vinegar until combined.

Step 3

Line a 9x5 loaf pan with strips of bacon, crosswise, slightly overlapping each other. The bacon should be hanging over the sides.

Step 4

Put ⅓ cup of the glaze on top of the bacon in the bottom of the loaf pan, spread out so it covers the bottom, set aside.

Step 5

In a large bowl, add the ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, cheese, eggs, worcestershire sauce, ketchup, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Using clean hands, gently mix everything together until it is well incorporated.

Step 6

Transfer the meat mixture to the loaf pan and press in place so the meat fills the pan and is even on top. Wrap the bacon that is hanging over the sides across the meatloaf.

Step 7

Cover the loaf pan with the rack of the broiler pan, or a different rack if using, and flip the pan upside down. Place the rack on top of the tray of the broiler pan, then lift the loaf pan off.

Step 8

Brush the top of the bacon covered meatloaf with a layer of the glaze.

Step 9

Bake for 30 minutes, remove from the oven, and add another layer of the glaze. Return to the oven for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature is 160°.

Step 10

Allow the meatloaf to rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.