Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
In a skillet, sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until they become translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This fills your kitchen with a savory aroma and softens the aromatics.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, sautéed onions and garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.
Shape the mixture into a rustic, monster-like loaf on a baking sheet, or pack it into your loaf pan for a more traditional shape. This is the moment to get creative with the shape—make it big and wild!
Brush the top of the loaf with barbecue sauce, creating a glossy, smoky glaze. This adds flavor and helps achieve a crispy, caramelized crust as it bakes.
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 45-55 minutes, until the edges are crisp and the internal temperature reaches 70°C (160°F). Check for a deep golden color on top for that perfect crispy finish.
If the top browns too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil to prevent burning, and continue baking until fully cooked.
Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This helps the juices settle and makes slicing easier without crumbling.
Slice into thick, satisfying portions, revealing the juicy interior with crispy edges. Serve hot with your favorite sides and an extra drizzle of smoky barbecue sauce for that wild finish.
