Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures the oven is hot and ready for baking the meatloaf to perfection.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, beaten eggs, breadcrumbs, ketchup, Maggi seasoning or MSG, warm water, and onion soup mix.
Use your hands or a spoon to thoroughly mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Make sure the mixture is evenly blended for consistent flavor throughout the meatloaf.
Take the mixed meatloaf mixture and form it into a loaf shape using your hands. Aim for a uniform shape and size to ensure even cooking.
Place the shaped meatloaf into an ungreased loaf pan, ensuring it fits comfortably without any gaps around the edges.
Pour the entire can of tomato sauce evenly over the top of the shaped meatloaf in the loaf pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the sauce evenly across the surface.
For an extra flavor boost, you can optionally lay slices of bacon over the top of the meatloaf before adding the tomato sauce.
Carefully transfer the prepared meatloaf to the preheated oven and place it on the middle rack.
Bake the meatloaf for approximately one hour or until it is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius). The tomato sauce will caramelize slightly, adding a delicious glaze to the meatloaf.
Once fully cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
Slice the meatloaf into thick portions and serve it hot, alongside your favorite side dishes such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp salad.
Sit down with your loved ones and savor the comforting flavors of this homemade Ann Landers-inspired meatloaf.