Meatloaf

1 . Stage

Preheat oven to 350°. In a medium skillet over medium high-heat, melt butter. Cook onions and celery, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, 10 to 15 minutes. Add garlic and thyme and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Remove from heat. Mix in mustard, soy sauce, tomato paste, and Worcestershire. Transfer to a medium bowl and let cool slightly.

2 . Stage

In a large bowl, lightly beat eggs to combine, then stir in milk. Sprinkle gelatin over and let sit 5 minutes.

3 . Stage

Add beef, pork, Saltines, and onion mixture; season with salt and pepper. Using your hands or a rubber spatula, mix until meat starts to feel tacky.

4 . Stage

In a small bowl, stir ketchup and brown sugar until combined.

5 . Stage

Spoon half of the meat mixture into a 9"-by-5" loaf pan, making sure there are no air pockets. Spread half of ketchup mixture on top. Cover with remaining meat mixture. Spread top with remaining ketchup mixture.

6 . Stage

Bake meatloaf until browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 160°, 40 to 50 minutes.

7 . Stage

Turn on broiler, if desired. Broil until top browns in spots, 2 to 3 minutes.

8 . Stage

Let sit 15 minutes. Carefully drain excess fat and remove loaf from pan with a spatula. Top with thyme (if using).