Mike Ditka’s Steakhouses are a Chicago institution. The ball coach made famous on the gridiron and on SNL (da Bears) has a passion for food. I have had meatloaf before, but his chef takes this humble dish to the next level with his meat choices (fillet and prime rib) and the addition of cognac. I stayed more classic; who can afford the meat they use? Here is my tribute to their dish. I hope you like it.

1/2 pound ground beef (Happy Family Ranch)
1/2 pound veal
1/2 pound ground pork
3 strips bacon, diced (Happy Family Ranch)
1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
2 eggs
1/2 cup diced onions
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup grated Romano cheese
1 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons cognac
1/2 cup bbq sauce plus 1/4 cup for top
Corn bread
Mashed potatoes
French fried onions
Gravy:
3 tablespoons flour
8 ounces beef stock
Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350.

In a large bowl,mix meats,

Chop bacon fine and add to bowl.

Add cheese, Panko, spices, onions, cognac, and Bbq sauce.

Mix with hands until combined – don’t over mix!

Top with bbq sauce and some extra bacon

Move mixture to a 5×9 loaf pan.

Bake 65-75 minutes.

Take drippings from pan and add to a small sauté pan. Add flour, stir and cook for 5 minutes stirring constantly.

Add one cup of beef broth; let thicken and you have gravy. Add salt and pepper to taste.

To serve, layer

Cornbread
Meatloaf
Mashed potatoes
Gravy
Onion straws
Chives