📖 Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important to ensure even cooking throughout the meatloaf.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 pounds of ground beef with 1 pound of ground pork. Using both meats adds a depth of flavor you won't get with just beef.
3. Finely dice 1 medium onion and 1 medium green bell pepper. The smaller the pieces, the better they'll incorporate into the meatloaf. A food processor works great for this step!
4. In a separate small bowl, soak 1 cup of breadcrumbs in 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are fully saturated. This will keep the meatloaf moist.
5. Add the diced onion, green pepper, and soaked breadcrumbs to the meat mixture. Also, add 2 large eggs (lightly beaten), 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
6. Gently mix all the ingredients together with your hands. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough. Just combine until everything is evenly distributed. Overmixing is the enemy of a tender meatloaf!
7. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. You can also shape it freeform on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper if you prefer a crust all the way around.
8. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard to make the glaze. This glaze is what gives the meatloaf that signature tangy-sweet flavor.
9. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Make sure it covers the entire surface for maximum flavor and caramelization.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the meatloaf to check for doneness. A perfectly cooked meatloaf should be juicy, but not pink inside.
11. Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and moist meatloaf. Resting is key!
12. Slice and serve! Meatloaf is delicious with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad. And don't forget the leftovers for meatloaf sandwiches the next day!