Let’s bake this comforting meatloaf:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Panade:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan (or line with parchment for easier cleanup if desired, though not specified).
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, 2 teaspoons salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper.
• Add the crumbled bread to the egg/milk mixture. Stir gently and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid and soften, essentially dissolving into a panade.

2. Combine Meatloaf Mixture:

• To the bowl with the panade (bread mixture), add the lean ground beef, chopped onion, shredded Cheddar cheese, and shredded carrot.
• Using your clean hands (the best tool for meatloaf!) or a sturdy spoon, gently but thoroughly mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatloaf tough.

3. Form Loaf and Prepare Glaze:

• Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared 9×5-inch loaf pan. Gently pat it into an even loaf shape.
• In a separate small bowl, combine the ¼ cup packed brown sugar, ¼ cup ketchup, and 1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard. Stir until well mixed.

4. Glaze and Bake:

• Spread the prepared brown sugar-ketchup-mustard glaze evenly over the top of the meat mixture in the loaf pan.
• Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven.
• Bake for 60 to 75 minutes. The meatloaf is done when it is no longer pink in the center, the juices run clear, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads at least 160°F (70°C).

5. Rest Before Serving (Important!):

• Carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven. Let it rest in the pan on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This crucial resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful meatloaf that holds its shape better.

6. Serve:

• After resting, carefully pour off any excess grease that may have accumulated (if using higher fat beef). Slice the meatloaf and serve warm.

The aroma of this baking is pure comfort