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### 🔪 **Instructions**
#### **1. Preheat the Oven**
Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)** and lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
#### **2. Make the Meatloaf Mixture**
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the **ground beef**, **ground pork (or turkey)**, **onion**, and **garlic**. Mix until just combined — be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
2. Add the **breadcrumbs**, **milk**, **egg**, **Worcestershire sauce**, **mustard**, salt, pepper, and optional **herbs** (thyme or oregano). Stir until everything is fully incorporated.
3. Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, shaping it evenly into a loaf shape. If you prefer a crispy crust, you can place it on a lined baking sheet instead of using a loaf pan.
#### **3. Prepare the Sweet Ketchup Glaze**
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the **ketchup**, **brown sugar**, **vinegar**, **mustard**, and **smoked paprika** (if using).
2. Taste the glaze and adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your liking by adding more sugar or vinegar.
#### **4. Glaze and Bake**
1. Pour about **half of the ketchup glaze** over the top of the meatloaf, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
2. Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for **45 minutes**. After 45 minutes, remove it from the oven, brush the remaining glaze on top, and return it to the oven for an additional **15–20 minutes** or until the meatloaf is fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C).
3. Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
#### **5. Serve and Enjoy**
Slice the meatloaf and serve it with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a fresh salad. Spoon any extra glaze over the meatloaf for that extra burst of flavor.
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### 🍴 **Why You’ll Love This Classic Meatloaf with Sweet Ketchup Glaze**
– **Comforting and Hearty**: This meatloaf is the ultimate in comfort food. The combination of beef, pork (or turkey), breadcrumbs, and milk makes for a juicy and satisfying texture, while the ketchup glaze adds a delicious sweetness that balances perfectly with the savory meat.
– **Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor**: You don’t need fancy ingredients to make this dish shine. The tangy-sweet ketchup glaze is the secret to making this meatloaf stand out from the crowd.
– **Family-Friendly**: This recipe is perfect for picky eaters and large families alike. It’s a wholesome meal that everyone can enjoy, and leftovers are just as good the next day!
– **Customizable**: Add extra vegetables like grated carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to the meat mixture for extra nutrition and flavor. You can even swap the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
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### 🧑🍳 **Tips for the Perfect Meatloaf**
1. **Don’t Overmix**: When mixing the ingredients, be gentle. Overworking the meat mixture can lead to a tough meatloaf. Mix just enough to combine the ingredients evenly.
2. **Rest Before Slicing**: Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute. This makes for a juicier, more flavorful meatloaf.
3. **Make Ahead**: You can prepare the meatloaf ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. You can also freeze it (before baking) for up to 3 months and bake it straight from the freezer—just adjust the cooking time.
4. **Use a Meat Thermometer**: To ensure your meatloaf is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer. The ideal internal temperature is 160°F (71°C) for ground beef.
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### 🍽️ **Serving Suggestions**
– **Classic Sides**: Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or green beans for a traditional comfort meal.
– **Sandwich**: Leftover meatloaf makes for a delicious sandwich the next day, topped with a little more ketchup or even some cheese.
– **Salad**: Serve with a crisp salad to balance out the richness of the meatloaf and glaze.
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### ✨ **Final Thoughts**
This **Classic Meatloaf with Sweet Ketchup Glaze** is the perfect balance of savory and sweet, with a tender interior and a flavorful topping that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to be a hit every time.
So, fire up the oven, get ready to enjoy some serious comfort food, and dig into a slice of this mouthwatering meatloaf!
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Need tips for a twist on this classic, like adding cheese or making it gluten-free? Let me know — I’d love to help you customize this recipe!
