So this is a "secret" recipe I use, but I always joke about that because I just give out my recipe. Anyway, it's great and I love it. I think the real secret to good meatloaf is using half pork and half beef, and doing a free form, so it's not in a loaf pan. It gives it an amazing taste.
Ingredients
1/2cup bread crumbs, preferably fresh
1/2cup milk
2 pounds mixed ground meats: beef, veal, lamb, and/or pork (you can use turkey or chicken also if you like – I always do beef and pork)
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 medium carrot, chopped
1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley
1/2cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
3/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons light-brown sugar
1 tablespoon chili powder
Directions
Heat the oven to 350°F. Soak the bread crumbs in the milk until the milk is absorbed, about 5 minutes.
Pulse garlic, onion, celery, carrot, and parsley in food processor until finely chopped. Add to breadcrumbs.
Add meats, egg, 1/4 cup ketchup, the mustard, parmesan, Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; mix together using your hands.
Shape the meat into a loaf in a baking pan. Stir together remaining 1/2 cup ketchup, chili powder, and the brown sugar until smooth; brush onto meat. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes. When done, the meat loaf will be browned lightly and firm and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center will read 160°F.