⏱ Prep Time
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Prep: 15 minutes
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Bake: 50–60 minutes
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Rest: 10 minutes
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Total: ~1 hour 15 minutes
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Servings: 6–8
🍳 Ingredients
Meatloaf
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1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
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1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or saltine crackers)
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½ cup milk
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 eggs
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½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp paprika
Glaze
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½ cup ketchup
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2 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tsp yellow mustard
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat
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Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
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Grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the Meat Mixture
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In a large bowl, combine crushed crackers and milk. Let soak for 1–2 minutes.
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Add onion, eggs, cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
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Gently mix in ground beef until just combined (don’t overmix).
3. Shape & Glaze
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Shape mixture into a loaf and place in pan.
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In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.
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Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf.
4. Bake
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Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
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Remove, spread remaining glaze on top.
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Return to oven and bake another 20–30 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
5. Rest & Serve
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Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing.
🍽 Taste & Texture
✔ Tender and juicy
✔ Savory with a hint of sweetness
✔ Classic homestyle flavor
✔ Perfect slice every time