Mini Meatloaves Smothered with Onions

From Everyday with Rachael Ray



Ingredients:
1/2 cup pitted dried dates, chopped
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 1/3 pounds ground beef
3 onions, 2 thinly sliced and 1 finely chopped
3 slices cooked bacon, chopped
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper
4 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions:
1. Position racks in the top and bottom thirds of the oven and preheat to 375°. In a bowl, combine the dates and breadcrumbs, working the mixture through your fingers to separate. Mix in the beef. Mix in the chopped onion, bacon, egg, worcestershire and vinegar; season with salt and pepper. Divide into 4 mounds and, on a baking sheet, shape into loaves. Place on the upper rack and bake for 45 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, on another baking sheet, toss the sliced onions with the butter and season with salt; spread out evenly. Bake on the lower rack, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 30 minutes. Serve the meatloaves with the onions.

Comments:
These are really good. I mean, Really. Good. I even got dates and honestly you won't even know they're in there. I think they might add a little sweetness, but I can't be sure. On my first try I forgot to put the bacon in the ground beef mix so I had to dump everything back in the bowl and start over. Believe me, I was tempted to just say "screw it" and eat the bacon plain, but I resisted and did the right thing. :)