Ground Bison Meatloaf

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

2. Combine eggs, rosemary, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl. Briskly stir until all ingredients are mixed together and the eggs are well blended.

3. Add onion, mushrooms, bell pepper, and walnuts; stir to combine. Add ground bison and mix until everything is well combined.

4. Turn out mixture onto a 9x13-inch metal baking pan and shape into a loaf, about 9 inches long and 5 inches wide.

5. Place bacon strips along the length of the meatloaf and secure the ends with wooden toothpicks.

6. Bake in the preheated oven until the juices run clear, about 1 hour. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160 degrees F (71 degrees C).

7. Remove from the oven and allow to sit, uncovered, about 5 minutes. Carefully transfer onto a cutting board or serving platter.

8. Remove toothpicks and slice into 1/2-inch slices to serve.

Cook's Note:

I like to use food-grade, disposable gloves to mix the meatloaf, turning it into the pan, and patting into shape. I can do a much better job of mixing with my fingers, than with a spoon. The gloves make cleaning my hands a breeze!