Some foods just make you giggle. Ace Cafe's "Bat Outta Hell Meatloaf" did just that — to three of us grown-ups in the kitchen.

Ace Cafe Orlando general manager George Grigor let us inside his kitchen to witness how a multi-meat log is - get ready for this — wrapped in bacon strips.

Just as important, he says, is incorporating quick oats into the meaty blend.

"More moisture is kept within the meat," he said, smiling down at the culinary creation.

The other key ingredients are ground beef, ground pork, ground mustard, salt and pepper, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, peppers and onions, panko bread crumbs, Parm, and egg. The log is glazed with a brown sugar/ketchup blend and spends time in the oven a few times.

Additionally, Grigor shows us the importance of searing the slices before plating. That caramelization gives it the desired texture.

Let's cook!

"Bat Outta Hell" Meatloaf
by Ace Cafe Orlando

(Yield: 13 orders (2/ 5oz slices)

Shelf: 4 days

Ingredients:

  • 2 lb Ground beef
  • 2 lb Ground pork
  • 1 cup Green bell pepper, 1/4" dice
  • 1 cup Yellow onion, 1/4" dice
  • 2 ea eggs
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tbsp Salt & pepper mix
  • 1 tbsp Garlic, minced
  • 2 cup Panko bread crumbs
  • 1 cup Quick oats
  • 1 tbsp Ground mustard powder
  • 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1.25 lb Bacon strips
  • 1 cup Ketchup
  • 1 cup Brown sugar

Process:

Step 1
In a sauté pan, cook green peppers, garlic and onion until translucent and soft then set aside to cool.

Step 2
In a large mixing bowl combine ground beef and pork until fully incorporated, then add remaining ingredients except the ketchup and brown sugar.

Step 3
Lay out bacon strips close together on a half sheet of parchment paper then carefully place meatloaf mixture in the center and form a tube like loaf in the middle. In an alternating patter like tying shoe laces, cover the meat mixture with bacon strips.

Step 4
Once loaf is completely wrapped, carefully roll over onto another sheet tray lined with a wire rack and bake in a 350-degree oven covered for 45 minutes.

While meatloaf is cooking mix together ketchup and brown sugar. After 45 mins remove foil and brush on ketchup mix and cook uncovered for another 20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 155 degrees and bacon is crisp.

Step 5
Remove from oven and let cool down on a speed rack for 20 mins before putting into the walk.