Chili Loaf

1 1/2 pounds ground beef chuck
1/2 pound sweet or hot Italian sausage, casings removed
1 onion, peeled and grated
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup hot salsa
1/2 cup dried bread crumbs
6 strips bacon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Place beef and Italian sausage in a large bowl and break into clumps. Gently mix in remaining ingredients, except the bacon, until just combined. Do not over-mix. Turn the meat mixture into a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan. Lay bacon strips crosswise over the loaf and bake for 45 minute. Cover the loaf loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Serves 6.