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## 🔥 **Instructions**
1. **Preheat the Oven** to **375°F (190°C)**. Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with foil.
2. **Make the Meatloaf Mixture:**
* In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, pepper, and thyme.
* Mix gently with your hands or a spatula—just enough to combine. Don’t overmix, or it can become dense.
3. **Shape and Place in Pan:**
* Press the mixture into a loaf shape in your prepared pan or shape it free-form on a baking sheet.
4. **Prepare the Glaze:**
* In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard.
* Spread half the glaze over the top of the meatloaf before baking.
5. **Bake:**
* Bake for **40–45 minutes**, then remove and spread the rest of the glaze on top.
* Return to oven and bake another **15–20 minutes**, or until internal temperature reaches **160°F (71°C)**.
6. **Rest and Serve:**
* Let the meatloaf rest for **5–10 minutes** before slicing. This helps it stay juicy and hold together.
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## 🥔 **Serving Suggestions**
Pair it with classic sides like:
* Mashed potatoes
* Roasted green beans or glazed carrots
* Mac and cheese
* A simple green salad
And don’t forget—**leftovers make amazing sandwiches** the next day!
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## 🏠 **Final Thoughts**
This isn’t just another meatloaf—it’s the kind of recipe that becomes a household tradition. It’s easy enough for weeknights, hearty enough for Sunday dinner, and comforting enough to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Try it once, and you might just find yourself saying the same thing we did:
**“Hands down, this is the best meatloaf we’ve ever had in our house.”**
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