📖 Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even cooking. Ensure your oven rack is in the middle position.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 pounds of ground beef (80/20 blend works great!) with 1 cup of breadcrumbs. I prefer using panko breadcrumbs for a lighter texture, but regular breadcrumbs work too! If you are using fresh bread crumbs you will need more than 1 cup. Day old bread crumbled up is perfect for meatloaf!
3. Add 1 chopped yellow onion, 1 diced green bell pepper (remove the seeds!), and 2 cloves of minced garlic to the bowl. Don't skimp on the garlic; it adds so much flavor!
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Give it a good whisk to ensure everything is combined.
5. Pour the wet ingredients over the meat mixture. Using your hands (or a sturdy spoon), gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can result in a tough meatloaf. No one wants that!
6. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Pro-Tip: I line my loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal. If you don't have parchment paper, grease the pan thoroughly with cooking spray.
7. In a small bowl, prepare the glaze by mixing together 1/2 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. This glaze adds a lovely tangy sweetness!
8. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. This glaze will caramelize in the oven and create a beautiful, flavorful crust.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Insert it into the center of the loaf.
10. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meatloaf. Resting is key!
11. Slice the meatloaf and serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad. Enjoy the fruits of your labor! This meatloaf also makes delicious sandwiches the next day.