1/2 red or green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 small onion, chopped
1-1/2 pounds ground beef, lean
2 large eggs, beaten
3/4 cup uncooked regular oats
1/3 cup ketchup
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
2 slices bacon, cut in half
Meatloaf Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 small onion, chopped
3/4 cup ketchup*
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
Microwave red or green bell pepper with onion in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 2 minutes. Combine onion mixture with ground beef, eggs, oats, ketchup and salt. Lightly grease a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan; shape meatloaf to fit pan. Top loaf diagonally with bacon slices.
Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes. Remove from pan and pour off extra juices. Put loaf back in pan and spread half of the meatloaf sauce evenly over the top and bake 20 minutes longer. Remove from pan and serve with remaining sauce.
For sauce: Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté for 5 minutes or until onion is tender.
Add ketchup and vinegar and simmer, stirring constantly until sauce thickens.
*For a spicier sauce, substitute 3/4 cup chili sauce for ketchup.