Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This initial step is crucial as it prepares your cooking environment for the tremendous transformation of your ingredients into a delicious meal.
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In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix them well until thoroughly combined. Shape the mixture into a loaf, ensuring an even texture throughout, as this is essential for even cooking.
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Place the meatloaf in a baking dish and generously top it with ketchup. The ketchup adds a layer of sweetness and tang that contrasts beautifully with the rich flavor of the beef.
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Bake for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). As it bakes, the meatloaf will develop a tremendous crust on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside.
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Meanwhile, while your meatloaf is baking, peel and cut the potatoes into chunks. Boil them in salted water until they are tender. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. The salt helps to enhance the flavor of the potatoes.
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Once tender, drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Mash them, adding milk and butter to achieve your desired creaminess. This step is where you can make the mashed potatoes as rich and buttery as you like.
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To make the gravy, heat the beef broth in a saucepan over medium heat. If you prefer a thicker gravy, thicken it with a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with a bit of cold water before adding it to the broth. Stir well until it reaches the perfect consistency.
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Serve the meatloaf sliced, alongside a generous scoop of mashed potatoes and a ladle of gravy over both. This final presentation is not only pleasing to the eye but is sure to satisfy your hunger and nostalgia.
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