Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Finely dice the yellow onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic cloves. Chop the fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary.
- In a large skillet, cook the diced pancetta over medium heat until crisp. Remove the pancetta with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving about 1-2 tablespoons of rendered fat in the skillet. If needed, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and sauté for 8-10 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, and rosemary, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, cooked crisp pancetta, cooled sautéed vegetables, Panko breadcrumbs, lightly beaten eggs, milk, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
- Using your hands, gently mix all ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough. Press the mixture firmly into a 9x5 inch loaf pan. Alternatively, for a free-form loaf, shape it into an oval on a parchment-lined baking sheet placed on a wire rack.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, whisk together all the glaze ingredients: ketchup, light brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.
- Place the meatloaf (in the pan or free-form) into the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes.
- After the initial baking time, carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven. Spread about half of the prepared glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Return the glazed meatloaf to the oven and continue to bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when measured with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the loaf.
- Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result. Slice and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
For an even crispier crust, form the meatloaf free-hand on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and placed on a wire rack. To prevent drying, ensure you don't overcook. Leftover meatloaf makes excellent sandwiches!
