1 egg
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs or 1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs
2/3 cup barbecue sauce
1 lb. lean ground beef 
OR 
1/2 lb. each of lean ground beef and ground pork
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1/4 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
4 slices bacon (optional)

Preparation Time 15 minutes
Baking Time 35 minutes
Makes 1 loaf

From Sean's Family Recipes

1. Preheat oven to 425 degree. For easy cleanup, line a baking sheet with sides with foil or lightly grease a 9x5" loaf pan. 

2. Beat egg in a large bowl. Stir in bread crumbs and 1/3 cup barbecue sauce. Crumble in meat. Add garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, cayenne and pepper. 

3. Using your hands or a fork, work mixture until combined. Evenly pat into a free-form loaf shape about 2" thick. Or evenly pat into loaf pan (loaf will be about half the normal thickness). Spread with remaining barbecue sauce. 

4. For a smoky taste, lay bacon slices over top. Bake, uncovered, in center of oven for 20 minutes. Drain off any juices. Continue baking until meat is well browned and bacon is crisp, from 15 to 20 minutes.