Lamb and Goat Bacon Meatloaf

Rich lamb meatloaf, with a touch of spices and Shepherd Song’s own goat bacon is a comfort food crowd-pleaser. Meatloaf is a classic everyone loves, and  a great way to show off our grass-fed lamb and goat.

This isn’t your ordinary loaf though, Chef Bergo shares some trick that ensure a juicy, result: caul fat, and milk-soaked breadcrumbs. Caul fat is an inner lining of fat from the animal, that is very thin, and useful for wrapping meat, especially lean items before cooking.

Traditionally pates, terrines, and meatballs are enclosed in the lacy fat, so wrapping a meatloaf in it is only natural. The caul is optinoal though, and you might use bacon, or just spread the meatloaf with a red sauce-at the bottom of the post is an example using a ketchup made from roasted red peppers and tomato puree.

The other special ingredient that makes our grass-fed lamb meatloaf taste special is our Tavia brand spice, available only through Shepherd Song Farm. Tavia has a rich, slightly spicy East African flavor, and is similar to traditinoal berbere spice. We sell Tavia, but it would be fine to add a blend of seasonings you like instead. Using the Tavia yields a slightly spicy meatloaf.

For a fine comfort food-inspired meal, Chef Bergo suggests pairing the meatloaf with sauteed green vegetables, mashed potatoes, and a relish made from roasted bell peppers.

This recipe is by chef Alan Bergo. A chef from Minnesota, Alan is a 15 year veteran of the culinary industry, former executive chef of acclaimed Lucia’s Restaurant, and the Salt Cellar. Founder of the website Forager Chef, he’s best known as a respected authority on Midwestern foraging. Learn more about Alan and his hunt for mushrooms, wild and obscure foods at Forager Chef. 

Looking to buy lamb or goat online? Shepherd Song Farm: Grass to table. We raise lambs & goats traditionally, humanely and sustainably. 100% Grass Fed, Pasture Raised, Never Confined, no Hormones, Grains or Animal Byproducts. Born, raised and processed in the U.S.A. Good for you and good for the environment.

Print Recipe

Lamb Bacon Meatloaf 

Classic, tender meatloaf tastes better with lamb bacon in it.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time45 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Goat, Lamb, Lamb Bacon, Meatloaf

Servings: 6

Equipment

• Large loaf pan or baking sheet with parchment or silicone

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground lamb
• 1 1/2 cups goat or lamb bacon diced ¼ inch
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Tavia seasoning optional
• 2 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 whole eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs + ½ cup milk
• ½ cup diced green onion or yellow onion
• Caul fat for wrapping the meatloaf (optional )
• 1 recipe bell pepper relish to garnish, recipe follows (optional)

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350. Combine the breadcrumbs and the milk and allow to soak for 15 minutes, then squeeze the breadcrumbs to allow excess milk to drain out. In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients except the caul fat and mix well.
• Cook a small piece of the meatloaf to check the seasoning, correct the salt to your taste, mix again, then wrap in the caul fat if using and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment or silicone for easy cleanup.
• Bake the meatloaf for 45-60 minutes or until just done, (155F). Remove the meatloaf to cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
• To serve, cut 1 inch slices of the meat loaf. Serve with mashed pototoes, and pass the room temperature relish at the table. The meatloaf is great reheated gently browned in a pan for sandwiches, etc.

Notes

Goat will make just as good of a meatloaf as lamb.

Additional Idea: Cover the Meatloaf with a Red Sauce Before Baking.