Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1½ lbs ground beef or ground lamb or ground pork or ground poultry
• 8 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 6¾ tablespoons shredded cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano or dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 7¾ oz. sliced bacon
• 1¼ cups heavy whipping cream, for the gravy
• ½ tablespoon tamari soy sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Fry the onion soft without browning it.
3. Mix the ground meat in a bowl. Add all other ingredients, except for the bacon. Mix well without over-working it as it may then turn too compact.
4. Form into a loaf and place in a baking dish and dress the loaf in bacon.
5. Bake in the middle of the oven for about 45 minutes. If the bacon gets too baked before the meat is done, cover with aluminum foil and lower the heat a bit.
6. Save the juices that have accumulated in the baking dish, and use to make the gravy. Mix the juices and the cream in a smaller sauce pan.
7. Bring to a boil and lower the heat and let simmer for 10–15 minutes until it has the right consistency.
8. If you want, use a little tamari soy sauce to taste. Serve with freshly boiled broccoli or cauliflower with butter, salt and pepper or any other side dish of your choice.

More flavor ideas
Greek – add crumbled feta cheese and pitted kalamata olives, cinnamon and thyme
Italian – add finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes and grated parmesan cheese
Italian – add pesto, parmesan cheese and pimento-filled green olives
French – add dijon mustard, tarragon and grated gruyère cheese
Spanish – add finely chopped chorizo and padrón peppers
Tex Mex – add jalapenos, shredded cheese, chili powder, coriander and perhaps fresh cilantro