Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure that your meatloaf cooks evenly.

Prepare the mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, brown sugar, ketchup, breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated; don’t overwork the mixture!

Shape the loaf: Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and shape it into a loaf form. You can use your hands or a spatula for this step.

Bake to perfection: Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour or until the meatloaf is cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (70°C).

Rest and serve: Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing it. This helps retain the juices, ensuring each slice is tender and flavorful.