Italian-Style Meatloaf

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (or 175 degrees Celsius). This initial step is crucial for achieving the perfect temperature. Next, lightly coat a 9x5-inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the meatloaf from sticking.

In a small skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat on your stovetop. Add sliced mushrooms, diced bell pepper, and chopped onion to the skillet; cook and stir constantly until they're just tender, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds, allowing its aroma to fill the air. Set this mixture aside to cool and let it relax for a moment.

Simultaneously, combine bread crumbs, chopped parsley, beaten egg, and Italian seasoning in a large mixing bowl. Add the cooled veggie mixture to this bowl; mix everything together until it's well combined. Next, gently fold in ground pork and ground beef to create a delicious meatloaf filling.

Meanwhile, mix together tomato sauce, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and vinegar in a separate bowl. Set this glaze aside for now.

Place the meatloaf mixture into the prepared loaf pan and shape it into a neat loaf.

Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until it's cooked through. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and brush the glaze all over it. Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking, brushing with the glaze every 10-15 minutes, until it's no longer pink in the center. Use an instant-read thermometer to check if it has reached a safe internal temperature of at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit (or 70 degrees Celsius). Once it's done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let any excess oil drain off.