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1
Set oven to 350u00b0F.
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2
Prepare a 9 x 5-inch baking pan and a baking sheet covered with foil to place underneath to catch any drippings.
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3
Using clean hands mix together all meatloaf ingredients except the 1/2 to 3/4 cup ketchup and the brown sugar, until well combined in a large bowl (adding in a little more breadcrumbs if needed).
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4
Pack the mixture into prepared pan.
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5
Place the pan on a foil-lined baking sheet to catch any spills.
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6
Bake for about 1 hour.
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7
Mix together ketchup with enough brown sugar to taste (start with 2 tablespoons adding in as much brown sugar as you desire to reach desired sweetness).
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8
After the 1 hour of baking, remove the meat loaf (at this point you can carefully drain off some of the fat if desired) and spread the ketchup/brown sugar mixture over the top.
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9
Place back in the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the meat loaf is pulling away from the sides of the pan.
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10
OPTIONAL for the stuffing mixture; melt butter in a skillet over medium heat; add in mushrooms, onion and thyme, cook stirring until the mushrooms brown and loose their moisture.
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11
Add in the soft breadcrumbs and cook until lightly browned.
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12
Season with salt and pepper.
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13
Spread evenly onto the bottom layer of beef mixture, then press down slightly.
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14
Top with layer of beef mixture and bake as stated.
