My grandma taught me this recipe, and I make it all year long!.‍

#### Instructions:

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your dish cooks evenly and that the flavors meld beautifully while baking.

2. **Prepare the Meat Mixture**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat with the chopped onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. I like to use my hands to mix everything together — it’s a family tradition, and it feels just like how grandma would do it. The mixture should be moist but firm, with everything well incorporated.

3. **Shape the Meatloaf**: Once your mixture is ready, transfer it to a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf. I sometimes make mine into mini meatloafs, especially when I want to freeze some for later meals. You can also form it by hand if you prefer a more rustic presentation.

4. **Make the Glaze**: In a small bowl, mix the ketchup with the brown sugar (if using). This sweet and tangy glaze is what gives the dish that signature flavor. Spread a generous layer of this glaze on top of the meatloaf.

5. **Bake**: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized. I like to check with a meat thermometer — it should reach 160°F (71°C) when done.

6. **Rest and Serve**: Once out of the oven, let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and makes it easier to cut. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or your favorite sides.

### Why I Make This All Year Long

While this recipe is undeniably perfect for family gatherings and holidays, I make it year-round for several reasons.

#### 1. **It’s a Meal That Brings Comfort**
There’s something incredibly comforting about the simplicity of this dish. After a long day, a slice of homemade meatloaf with that sweet glaze feels like a warm embrace. The flavors are familiar, and every bite takes me back to the countless Sunday dinners spent around my grandma’s table.

#### 2. **It’s Easy to Customize**
Like my grandma, I often change up the ingredients based on what I have in the pantry or my current cravings. Sometimes I add grated carrots or zucchini for extra moisture and nutrition. On other occasions, I swap the beef for turkey for a lighter version. It’s a versatile dish that can be easily adjusted to suit your family’s preferences.

#### 3. **It’s Perfect for Meal Prep**
Meatloaf is the perfect dish to prepare ahead of time. It freezes wonderfully, so I often make two or three at once, keeping one for the week’s meals and freezing the others for later. When you have a homemade meal ready to go in the freezer, dinner becomes so much easier — especially on busy weeknights.

#### 4. **It’s a Connection to My Grandma**
Every time I make this dish, I feel like I’m continuing a tradition that spans generations. My grandma’s love and wisdom are embedded in this recipe, and even though she’s no longer with us, I can still hear her voice and feel her presence in the kitchen. Cooking this dish is my way of honoring her legacy and passing it on to future generations.

### A Recipe to Pass On

This is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition that’s been passed down through my family, and now it’s one I share with you. Whether it’s a nostalgic dish from your own childhood or a brand-new creation, the recipes we carry forward are the ones that shape our kitchens, our hearts, and our memories.

So, the next time you’re looking for a comforting, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any season, I encourage you to try this recipe. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the love and memories that come with it. And who knows? Maybe it will become a dish you make all year long, too — just like my grandma taught me.