Mini-Meat Loaves Wrapped in Bacon

I found this excellent recipe in Chris Jordan's Blog - (See notes from Chris) Hope you enjoy it.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 12
• Yields: 12 mini loaves

Ingredients

• 2  lbs lean ground beef
• 1⁄2 onion, chopped
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1  tablespoon  taco seasoning mix
• 1⁄2 cup ketchup
• 1  tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2  eggs (Chris uses 1 tablespoon cornstarch instead of the eggs due to allergies)
• 1⁄2 cup  dry breadcrumbs (Chris uses gluten free bread crumbs)
• 1⁄2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)
• 12  slices bacon

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix the meat with onion, garlic, ground black pepper, taco seasoning mix, ketchup, Worcestershire and beaten eggs.
2. Add bread crumbs and mix well. (You will need to use your hands and knead it up well). Roll the meat into 12 mini-loaves that fit into your mini-loaves baking pan, (or use a shallow baking tray with a rack to drain the grease from the bacon).
3. MY NOTE: I partially cooked the bacon slices separately in a skillet and drained all the excess of fat, (or add the bacon cut in pieces into the meat, if you prefer).
4. Bake the mini loaves in a 350ºF. pre-heated oven for about 30 to 40 minutes until they are well cooked from the center and bacon slices look crispy and attached around the loaves.
5. Serve with steamed broccoli and mashed potatoes, if like.
6. Note: Chris says: "It is sort of like a tiny self contained bacon burger".
7. And thanks to the reviewers for their good suggestions to improve this recipe.