Classic Savory Meatloaf with Sweet Glaze

1. Prepare Sweet Glaze

Begin by preparing the sweet glaze. In a small saucepan, mix together 1/2 cup of ketchup, 4 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 4 teaspoons of cider vinegar until well combined. This will be used later to brush over the meatloaf, giving it a delightful, caramelized finish.

2. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking the meatloaf once it’s assembled.

3. Sauté Onion and Garlic

In a medium skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 5 minutes until they are soft and fragrant. This step helps in mellowing the sharpness of the onion and garlic, integrating their flavors smoothly into the meatloaf.

4. Prepare Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper, 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 teaspoon of hot pepper sauce, and 1/2 cup of whole milk. This mixture will ensure the meatloaf is well-seasoned and moist.

5. Combine Ingredients

Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the egg mixture. Then, incorporate 1 pound of ground beef chuck, 1/2 pound of ground pork, and 1/2 pound of ground veal into the bowl. Next, mix in 2/3 cup of crushed Saltine crackers (or your choice of fresh bread crumbs) along with 1/3 cup of minced fresh parsley. Using your hands, blend everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Make sure not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf dense and tough.

6. Shape and Glaze Meatloaf

With wet hands to prevent sticking, shape the meat mixture into a 9-by-5-inch loaf on a foil-lined shallow baking pan. Brush the loaf generously with some of the sweet glaze prepared earlier. Lay thin slices of bacon over the top, overlapping slightly to cover the entire surface. The bacon will add a rich flavor and keep the meatloaf moist during baking.

7. Bake Meatloaf

Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. The internal temperature should reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is fully cooked. The bacon should be crisp, and the top of the meatloaf should have a beautiful golden-brown color.

8. Cool and Serve

Once the meatloaf is done baking, allow it to cool for at least 20 minutes. While it cools, simmer the remaining glaze over medium heat. Slice the meatloaf and serve it with the warm glaze drizzled on top.