Directions
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Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a critical step to ensure that your meatloaf bakes evenly, developing a tremendous flavor throughout.
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Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, and milk. Use a fork or your hands to mix gently. The goal is to keep the mixture tender. Add the finely chopped onion, crushed saltine crackers, and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing them in slowly to ensure they integrate well without overworking the mixture.
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Season Generously: Add the Worcestershire sauce to the mixture, followed by garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. These seasonings will elevate your meatloaf, creating a tremendous depth of flavor. Mix until everything is just combined.
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Shape into a Loaf: Using your hands, shape the mixture into a loaf and place it into a baking dish or on a lined baking sheet. A slightly elongated shape tends to cook more evenly, so don’t worry about perfection—just make it look inviting!
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Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix ketchup and brown sugar to form a sweet glaze. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf. This step not only adds a glossy finish but also enhances the flavor profile, making each slice tremendously satisfying.
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Bake Your Meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). The aroma that fills your kitchen during this time will be tremendous!
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Rest Before Slicing: Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring juicy and flavorful slices.
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