This delicious and moist meat loaf, with bits of bacon strewn throughout, boasts a center filled with a savory bread stuffing.

Savory Stuffed Meat Loaf

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
2 strips of bacon, chopped
1/2 cup milk
1 large egg
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
2 cups soft bread crumbs
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried sage
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/8 teaspoon pepper

1. Combine ground beef, chopped strips of bacon, milk, egg, dry bread crumbs, salt, dry mustard, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and garlic powder. Spread about two-thirds of the mixture into an ungreased loaf pan, pressing the mixture up the sides of the pan to within 3/4-inch of the top.
2. Melt butter in a skillet; cook chopped onion and chopped celery until soft. Remove from the heat and stir in soft bread crumbs, salt, sage, thyme, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
3. Spoon the stuffing mixture in the pan and then top with the remaining meat mixture, covering the stuffing completely.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour and 10 minutes; drain and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.

Makes 8 servings.