Bill Blass's Classic Meatloaf

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 350 degrees and lightly grease an 8-by-4-inch loaf pan to ensure your meatloaf slides out easily after baking.

2. Cook Celery and Onion

In a heavy skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté your chopped celery and onion for about 5 minutes, or until they're soft and fragrant, imbuing the air with their savory aromas. Set the skillet aside to let the mixture cool; this little pause allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

3. Mix Meat and Seasonings

In a large bowl, unite the ground beef sirloin, ground veal, and ground pork, bringing together the best of each meat's texture and taste. Stir in the fresh parsley, sour cream, and soft bread crumbs—this trio will keep your meatloaf moist and tender. Season with thyme, marjoram, and a generous helping of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, creating a symphony of flavors that will sing in every bite.

4. Add Egg and Worcestershire Sauce

Crack the egg into a separate bowl and whisk it vigorously with the Worcestershire sauce until it's fully blended. Pour this binding elixir into your meat mixture and work it through with your hands. Here's where you can feel the transformation as the ingredients become one cohesive blend, ready to shape into a loaf.

5. Shape and Top the Loaf

Gently mold your meat mixture into a loaf shape and nestle it into your prepared pan. Lavish the top with Heinz chili sauce, painting it on like a glaze that will caramelize beautifully. Lay the bacon slices across the top to add a smoky flavor and a touch of indulgence.

6. Bake the Meatloaf

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for about 1 hour. You'll know it's done when the meatloaf is firm to the touch and has a rich, golden-brown crust that's irresistible.