Not-So-Basic Meatloaf Recipe | Epicurious

Ingredients

• 5 strips lean bacon, finely chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
• 2 pounds very lean ground beef sirloin
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup finely ground fresh bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon bottled horseradish, well drained
• 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2 tablespoons coarse salt
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon finely minced fresh thyme (or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 2 to 3 cups croutons
• 10 whole, unpeeled, garlic cloves
• 4 bay leaves
• 1 sprig fresh thyme