I make an excellent meatloaf, but have always really liked the ones served at the Golden Corral, minus the ketchup on top. I prefer beef gravy. I was excited to find your recipe and try it out. As I went through the ingredients list, it seemed excessive compared to my own favorite, but I bought fresh spices and made a beautiful loaf today. As it cooked there was an unfamiliar scent in the air that was very prevalent when removed from the oven for its 15 minute rest. With 2 eggs, and bread crumbs I expected it to bind better, it wasn’t all crumbly, but it wasn’t equal nice slices either. Then that first taste you’ve dreamed about……fail. It’s not bad tasting, but that itty bitty 1/4 teaspoon of cloves had no business there and ruined it for me. No it isn’t a copycat at all. There are 2 other copycat recipes from others that I will test in a couple weeks.