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Meatloaf is a quintessential comfort food that has graced dinner tables for generations. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, it evokes feelings of nostalgia and warmth, making it a favorite choice for families and gatherings alike. This dish is not just about combining ingredients; it’s about creating a meal that brings everyone together, often accompanied by memories of home-cooked meals. In this recipe, we take classic meatloaf to the next level by incorporating a unique blend of ground beef and pork, ensuring a deliciously moist and flavorful experience. Topped with a tangy glaze, this meatloaf promises to be a game-changer in your culinary repertoire.

Classic Meatloaf with Tangy Glaze

Discover the charm of classic meatloaf with a twist! This savory comfort dish combines ground beef and pork for a moist and flavorful experience. Topped with a tangy glaze made of ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar, this meatloaf elevates comfort food to new heights. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, it’s easy to prepare and sure to impress everyone at the table. Embrace nostalgia and create delicious memories with this timeless recipe.
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Ingredients
  

For the Meatloaf:

1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 blend for optimal flavor and moisture)

1 lb ground pork

1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)

1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)

1/2 cup finely chopped onion (yellow or white)

1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper (red or green for added sweetness)

2 large eggs

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Tangy Glaze:

1/2 cup ketchup

2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon mustard powder

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking.

    Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Add the breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, bell pepper, eggs, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Using your hands or a spatula, mix the ingredients gently until they are just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.

      Shape the Loaf: Transfer the meat mixture to a greased or lined baking dish or a loaf pan. Shape the mixture into a loaf form, approximately 2 inches high, ensuring even thickness for consistent cooking.

        Make the Glaze: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard powder until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.

          Glaze the Meatloaf: Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread half of the tangy glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf, allowing it to seep into the surface for enhanced flavor.

            Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). About 15 minutes before the meatloaf is fully cooked, brush the remaining glaze over the top to create a delicious sticky layer.

              Rest and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Resting helps maintain moisture within the meatloaf. Slice into thick portions and serve warm, ideally alongside creamy mashed potatoes and a medley of green beans or your favorite seasonal vegetables.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 1 hour 15 minutes | 6-8 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: For a delightful presentation, arrange the sliced meatloaf on a rustic wooden board, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, and serve with a small bowl of the tangy glaze on the side for dipping.