Best Ever Meatloaf

I have been making this meatloaf for years now and we all love it. you'll find quite a bit of grease in the bottom of your loaf pan, even when using lean ground beef. when i first started making this meatloaf, i would end up pouring off most of the sauce (the best part!) when draining the fat, so now i bake the meatloaf first without the sauce, then drain off the fat, then spread the sauce on top and return it to the oven for about 5-10 more minutes! . i also usually double the ingredients for the sauce so that i have some sauce to serve with the leftovers (if you manage to have any!)! . hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!!

Steps

In a large bowl , combine ketchup , tomato juice , salt , black and red pepper , eggs , bread crumbs , onions , and mustard.

Mix until thoroughly blended.

Add ground beef.

Mix gently but thoroughly.

Line a 9 x 5=inch loaf pan with foil.

Press in beef mixture.

Bake at 400f for about 45 minutes.

While the meatloaf is baking , combine the topping ingredients in a separate bowl , mixing well.

Remove the meatloaf from the oven after 45 minutes and drain off the fat.

Spread topping over the meatloaf and return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes.

Rest meatloaf 5 minutes before serving.

Ingredients

lean ground beef, tomato ketchup, tomato juice, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, eggs, fresh breadcrumb, onion, prepared mustard, brown sugar