Like apple pie and hamburgers, meatloaf is almost a synonym for American cooking. It usually has a tomato ketchup-based glaze, but this recipe doesn't. It has a very tasty gravy instead.
In a large bowl, mix together the meat, breadcrumbs, eggs and salt and pepper. If you're worried about how your seasoning will taste, you can make a small patty with some of the mixture, fry it off and taste it. Heat your oven to 180°C (356°F) if it's a fan oven, 200°C (392°F) if it isn't, gas 6. Line the inside of a loaf tin with bacon, overlapping the rashers very slightly. Spoon in the meatloaf mixture, then fold over any overhanging bacon. Wrap the loaf tin and meatloaf in aluminium foil.
When the meatloaf is done, remove from the tin and allow to cool a little. You can eat it hot with mash and green veg, or let it cool completely and slice it thinly for sandwiches.
Butter for sautéeing.