MINI PANCETTA-WRAPPED MEATLOAF SANDWICHES

Mini Pancetta-Wrapped Meatloaf Sandwiches image

Provided by Food Network

Time 2h55m

Yield 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 pound ground chuck
1 pound ground pork
2 cups bread crumbs
2 cups grated Parmesan
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1 cup half-and-half
1 cup diced onion
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons Italian seasonings
2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1/2 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
2 (16-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, drained
3 large eggs, beaten
10 thin slices pancetta or bacon
10 Roma tomatoes, sliced in 1/2, roasted, optional for garnish
20 slices French bread (the thick pre-sliced type)
2 red onions, sliced, sauteed until wilted, optional for garnish
20 fresh sage leaves, sliced, optional for garnish

Steps:

Preheated your oven to 375 degrees F.
For the meatloaf: In a large bowl mix ground chuck, ground pork, bread crumbs, Parmesan, mozzarella and the half-and-half. Let stand.
Saute onions and olive oil until a little brown, then add in the garlic and cook through about 1 minute. Let stand.
Add the seasonings, parsley, salt, pepper, diced tomatoes, eggs and the sauteed onions and garlic. Mix together well.
Spray a large loaf pan with baking spray or line with parchment paper. Fill the pan with your meatloaf mixture and top with sliced pancetta.
Bake for 1 hour covered loosely with foil. Remove foil and cook an additional 25 minutes until pancetta is crispy.
For the garnish/plating: Saute the red onions in a little olive oil until wilted, then set aside.
Slice the Roma tomatoes in half, on the oval, place on a baking sheet, spray or drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper to taste. Roast in a preheated 350 degrees F oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour (worth the wait) set aside.
Brush the bread with oil and place on grill until toasted on both sides.
To plate: Slice meatloaf into 10 pieces, then place over grilled bread, top with 2 halves roasted tomato, sauteed red onion and fresh sage, cover with grilled bread.