2 tbsp. butter, at room temperature
1 med. onion
1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef
1/4 c. dry bread crumbs
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 lg. egg
6 tbsp. ketchup
3 slices bacon, cut in half

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter 6 muffin cups, using a paper towel to spread the butter.

Place the onion on the cutting board. Using the utility knife, trim off the ends and then cut the onion in half from end to end. Peel off the skin and throw it away along with the ends. Place the onion halves flat side down on the cutting board and cut lengthwise into several slices. Then cut across the slices to make small pieces. Put the onion pieces in the mixing bowl.

Crumble the meat with your hands into the bowl. Add the bread crumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Break the egg into the bowl. Mix it all together with your hands and then wash your hands.

Spoon 1 tablespoon ketchup into each of the 6 buttered muffin cups. Using your hands, divide the meat mixture evenly among the 6 cups, and then wash your hands again.

Place the bacon on the cutting board and cut each slice in half. Place 1 piece of bacon on each small meat loaf.

Place the muffin tin on the cookie sheet. Put the oven mitts on and place the cookie sheet in the oven. Bake for 25 minutes.

Put the oven mitts on and, with the help of an adult, place the cookie sheet on a heat-proof surface. To serve, scoop the loaves out with the soup spoon and place them, bacon side down, on a serving plate. Makes 6 individual meat loaves.