Mini BBQ Cheddar Meatloaves

Mini BBQ Cheddar Meatloaves

Serves 8.

The original recipe calls for 1 whole onion per pound of beef, but I thought the distribution was much better when everything else besides the onion was doubled.  A tasty twist on traditional meatloaf.  We all loved it.
Slightly adapted from: Iowa Girl Eats

1 large sweet onion
2 tablespoons butter
Salt
2 lbs. lean ground beef
2 eggs, whisked
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup + 4 tablespoons BBQ sauce, divided
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
Pepper
4 oz. shredded cheddar cheese (about 1 cup)

Cut onion in half then each half into thin slices. Melt butter in a large skillet or pot over medium heat then add onion and a dash of salt. Cook, stirring every couple of minutes, until onions are golden brown and caramelized, about 20 minutes. Turn heat down if onions start to burn. Set aside to cool slightly.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a large bowl combine ground beef, egg, Worcestershire sauce, 2 Tablespoons BBQ sauce, panko bread crumbs, dash of pepper, cheese cubes, and caramelized onions, then mix until just combined. Divide mixture into 4 equal-sized portions then form into loaves on a foil-lined, non-stick-sprayed baking sheet. Spread 1 Tablespoon BBQ sauce over each loaf then bake for 20-30 minutes, or until no longer pink in the center.