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### **Instructions:**
1. **Preheat your oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the meatloaf from sticking.
2. **Prepare the meat mixture**: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, garlic, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika. Use your hands to mix everything together until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough meatloaf.
3. **Shape and bake**: Transfer the meat mixture to your prepared baking dish and shape it into a loaf. Smooth out the top so it bakes evenly. Spread a thin layer of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf for a glossy, delicious glaze.
4. **Bake**: Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). For a crispy top, you can broil it for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
5. **Rest before serving**: Once the meatloaf is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it moist and flavorful.
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### **Tips for the Best Meatloaf:**
– **Use a mix of meats**: If you want an even richer flavor, try using a mix of ground beef and ground pork, or ground turkey and beef for a lighter option.
– **Don’t overmix**: Overmixing the meatloaf mixture can make it dense and tough. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
– **Glaze variation**: For an extra kick, mix a little mustard or brown sugar into the ketchup for the glaze. You can also add hot sauce if you like some heat!
– **Add veggies**: If you’d like to sneak in some extra nutrition, finely chop some bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini and mix them into the meat. They’ll add flavor and moisture.
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### **Serving Suggestions:**
This meatloaf is perfect served with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. If you’re craving something extra, serve it with creamy mac and cheese or buttery corn on the cob. Leftovers make the best meatloaf sandwiches — just grab a couple of slices of bread, add a dollop of mayo or mustard, and you’re all set!
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### **Why This Meatloaf Is Our Family Favorite**
The beauty of this meatloaf recipe is how it combines all the best elements of comfort food into one dish. The ground beef stays juicy, the flavor is perfectly balanced, and the ketchup glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness and tang. Every time I make it, my family raves about how moist and flavorful it is. Even my picky eater has no problem asking for seconds — and trust me, that’s a big win!
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### **Final Thoughts**
If you’ve been searching for the ultimate meatloaf recipe, look no further. This one has it all: the perfect texture, mouthwatering flavor, and the kind of comfort that makes you feel right at home. So next time you’re craving a classic dish that’s both easy to make and a crowd-pleaser, give this meatloaf recipe a try — I promise, you’ll agree it’s the best one out there!
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Let me know if you’d like to add any variations or other details to the article!
