Edward's Open-Faced Meatloaf Sandwiches

Edward's Open-Faced Meatloaf Sandwiches is described by the creator and chef as a sandwich with an almost breakfast-for-supper feel. All the flavor combinations in these meatloaf sandwiches meld nicely, and the over-easy egg topping each sandwich really complements the gravy.

Ingredients

• MEATLOAF
• 7 bacon slices, diced $
• 2 cups finely chopped onion (1 large) $
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups chopped fresh mushrooms $
• 2 pounds ground chuck $
• 1 1/2 cups soft, fresh breadcrumbs
• 3 large eggs $
• 1/4 cup cola soft drink $
• 2 tablespoons bourbon* $
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup ketchup $
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar $
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• GRAVY
• 1 1/2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour $
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• REMAINING INGREDIENTS
• 8 Texas toast slices
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 8 large eggs $
• 8 thick tomato slices $
• 4 tablespoons mayonnaise $
• Chopped fresh parsley

Preparation

1. 1. Prepare Meatloaf: Preheat oven to 350°. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring often, 8 to 10 minutes or until crisp. Remove bacon, and drain on paper towels, reserving drippings in skillet. Add onions and next 2 ingredients to hot drippings, and sauté 3 minutes. Add mushrooms; sauté 4 minutes. Transfer mixture to a large bowl, and let cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes).
2. 2. Add ground chuck, next 5 ingredients, 1/2 cup ketchup, 1 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. pepper, and cooked bacon to onion mixture in bowl, and combine mixture, using hands. Stir together brown sugar, soy sauce, and remaining 1/2 cup ketchup in a separate bowl.
3. 3. Transfer meat mixture to a lightly greased 9- x 5-inch loafpan. Brush top with ketchup mixture.
4. 4. Bake at 350° for 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted in center registers 155°. Let cool in pan on a wire rack 1 hour, reserving 1 cup drippings.
5. 5. Prepare Gravy: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Slowly whisk in broth and meatloaf drippings. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, whisking constantly, 2 minutes or until slightly thickened. Stir in 1/4 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. pepper, and 1/4 tsp. lemon juice. Remove from heat.
6. 6. Preheat oven to 350°. Arrange Texas toast slices on a baking sheet, and bake 8 minutes on each side or until golden. Remove from oven.
7. 7. Melt 1 Tbsp. butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Gently break 4 eggs into a hot skillet. Cook 2 to 3 minutes on each side or to desired degree of doneness. Remove from skillet, and cover with aluminum foil. Repeat procedure with remaining 4 eggs.
8. 8. Cut meatloaf into 8 slices. Sprinkle tomato slices with desired amount of salt. Spread 1 side of each toast slice with 1 1/2 tsp. mayonnaise. Top each toast slice, mayonnaise sides up, with 1 tomato slice and 1 meatloaf slice. Gently place 1 cooked egg on each meatloaf slice. Serve with gravy; sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and freshly ground pepper.
9. *2 Tbsp. cola soft drink may be substituted.