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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, finely chopped onion, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Mix until fully combined, but do not overwork the meat to keep it tender.
Form the Meatloaf:
Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf. Alternatively, you can place it on a lined baking sheet if you prefer a crustier meatloaf.
Bake the Meatloaf:
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If you want a slightly caramelized top, brush the meatloaf with extra ketchup during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Prepare the Caramelized Onion Gravy:
While the meatloaf is baking, melt the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized, about 20 minutes. Be patient, as this step brings out the natural sweetness of the onions.
Make the Gravy:
Once the onions are caramelized, sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually add the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the gravy simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
Once the meatloaf is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with a generous amount of caramelized onion gravy poured over the top.
Serving and Storage Tips:
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